Celebration of Music

The Celebration of Music project, launched in 2010, brought together local musicians from Vanderhoof and the surrounding Nechako region to showcase and celebrate the depth of musical talent in the community. The project resulted in the production of a CD—recorded on June 26, 2010, from 12-5 pm,
at the Friendship Hall in Vanderhoof—featuring original music by artists including Kevin Malcolm, Rodney Teed, Brett and Drew Knowles, Oscar Wahlstrom, and Earl Sonneveldt.

At its core, Celebration of Music was about more than recording songs—it created space for local voices, stories, and traditions to be shared. The project reflected the Good Neighbours Committee’s commitment to strengthening community through arts, culture, and inclusive participation.

The musicians involved represented a range of experiences and relationships to music.

Rodney Teed brought a love of classic Western music, contributing to the project’s grounding in traditional styles.

Oscar Wahlstrom reflected on a lifetime of performance, noting that he “played for dances or bars every Friday or Saturday for years.” His passion for old country music—distinct from contemporary country and often aligned with bluegrass traditions—continues through his work with the Sinkut Mountain Boys, who regularly perform for community events and at Riverside Place for residents.

Earl Sonneveldt’s path to music offered another perspective. Without formal training, he learned to play the harmonica later in life and continues to play and write music, demonstrating the accessibility of creative expression at any stage.

Together, these contributions formed a collection that captured the spirit, diversity, and lived experience of the region’s musicians. The project not only documented local talent, but also strengthened connections between artists and the wider community, creating opportunities for people to gather, listen, and celebrate shared culture.

By bringing these voices together, Celebration of Music created a lasting record of community creativity while reinforcing the role of the arts in fostering belonging, dialogue, and pride in place.