CHRIS LOWREY
PONTIAC Dec. 12, 2018
Local singer Erin Davis is set to go from performing anthemic rock songs with her band Beyond Driven to singing the national anthem for a room full of politicians – including the Prime Minister.
Davis, who works in Pontiac Liberal MP Will Amos’ office, caught the eye of another parliamentarian after Amos posted a video of her vocals on his social media page.
She’ll take the stage at the federal Liberal’s Christmas party, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be attending.
Many of Davis’ shows with Beyond Driven take place in more casual surroundings – venues like the Shawville Fair, community festivals, local bars and music halls in Ottawa.

They usually average around one show per week, but the band is on a break right now while they work on a new set of original songs.
Davis admits that playing in front of a group of federal politicians will be different compared to the crowds she’s used to.
“It’s going to be quite the contrast,” Davis said with a laugh. “It’s not every day you get to sing for the Prime Minister.”
Even though she’ll be performing for the most powerful politician in the country, Davis said the Prime Minister’s presence won’t be the thing she finds most nerve-wracking.
“Because there’s going to be thousands of people there, I’m actually more nervous about that,” Davis said.
To compound matters, if the thousands of unfamiliar faces weren’t enough to cause nerves, the fact that she’s going it alone surely will.
“I’m not used to singing without my band,” she said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve sang without them, so it’s going to be different.”
Despite the unique circumstances surrounding her upcoming performance, singing such a familiar hymn gives Davis reassurance.
“If there’s one song I know by heart, it’s the anthem,” she said with a chuckle.
Davis almost landed the anthem gig for the Ottawa Senators when the team was looking for a new singer.
“You had to apply,” Davis said. “I went in, I auditioned and got top three, or something to that effect, but they ended up going with a young lady.”
Although she didn’t get the gig, she almost got on the ice to perform the anthem, but timing wasn’t on her side.
“The one time I had the opportunity to do it I was away,” she said.
Even though she missed out on that opportunity, she’s not too upset – after all, she’s holding out for her dream anthem gig.
“I’m a Montreal Canadiens fan too and they knew that,” Davis said. “My dream is to sing it for the Montreal Canadiens so I figured when I applied for the Senators – if I got it – at some point I’d get a Montreal Canadiens game.”