Sharon and Bram are playing Grizfest this year on July 30 at 1:30 p.m. Submitted photo.
Children's entertainers Sharon, Lois, and Bram never dreamed they'd become the hottest act in their field when they teamed up in 1978. They simply wanted to make a record that would bring children and adults together in music. Today the trio has songbooks, videos, and records to their credit, as well as a popular cable television show and a succession of tours.
Sharon Hampson began her career as a folksinger in Toronto when she was just 17 years old. She toured Canada and the United States for four years before returning to her hometown to raise her two children.
Family life certainly didn't put a stop to her involvement in music, however. She recorded two children's albums on her own, made radio and television appearances, and arranged, taught, and sang in children's music programs. She was also instrumental in founding Canada's innovative folk-artist program, Mariposa in the Schools.
Hampson was slightly acquainted with Bram Morrison from her Toronto coffeehouse days, but she came to know him better when he got involved with Mariposa in the Schools. He had impeccable folksinging credentials, having left college to go on the road with Canada's respected folklorist and singer Alan Mills.
For four years, Morrison served as Mills's apprentice and guitar accompanist, building up an impressive repertoire of English, American, and French-Canadian songs on their many North American tours.
Eventually he appeared as a solo artist on television and at the Mariposa folk festival. Later, he spent five years as an itinerant teacher in the Toronto school system. Through his involvement with Mariposa in the Schools and similar programs, he participated in workshops all over Ontario.
Upon discovering that they shared many of the same feelings about children, music, and education, Hampson urged the formation of a partnership to make a record that would be fun for children and the adults in their lives.
Their first album, One Elephant, Deux Elephants was an instant success, becoming the fastest selling children's record in Canadian history. Since then, Sharon, Lois, & Bram have released many more records, published a songbook, appeared as guests on Sesame Street and other programs, appeared with symphony orchestras, and developed their own television program, The Elephant Show.
Sharon & Bram will be performing live in Tumbler Ridge this year at Grizfest on July 30 at 1:30 p.m. For more information phone 242-4246 or visit www.grizfest.com.
