Semiahmoo locals sing songs of the season

By Stefanie Donahue

Semiahmoo Resort is continuing the decades-long tradition of inviting seasonal singers to an evening of old-fashioned caroling.

This year, the event takes place at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 18 in the San Juan Ballroom at the resort. A children’s event, led by Semiahmoo-based musician Dana Cohenour, will be followed by an evening of old-fashioned caroling.

Bob Conley, l., and David Chapman, r., join a group of singers during Semiahmoo Resort’s first old-fashioned caroling event in 1997. Photo courtesy of the Semiahmoo Resort Association.

Cohenour will kick off the children’s portion of the event at 5 p.m., where she plans to rouse the crowd with a Christmas story and a few familiar holiday songs. Participants in the kid’s event may even get to take home a souvenir, she said.

Cohenour will later join guitarist John Sturdivant and emcee Connie Serediuk in song during the main event. All ages and musical abilities are welcome, she said.

“It really inspires Christmas spirit,” Cohenour said.

Cohenour has led a spirited career in music for most of her life. She started her career in New York City and moved to Semiahmoo 14 years ago.

She currently teaches kids age 1 to 4 about music in movement at the Opus Performing Arts Studio in Bellingham.

“I used to play in smoky bars and cabarets,” she said, “Now I get to sing in the sunshine with smiling faces.”

She’s won 18 national awards for her children’s albums, inspired by a variety of genres, and plans to release her sixth album soon. With the holidays just around the corner, she’s encouraging everyone to get in the musical spirit for a song or two during Semiahmoo’s

traditional event.

“It’s sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit,” she said.

The event is free and open to the public. Snacks, coffee and tea will be available for purchase. The Packers Oyster Bar and Pierside Restaurant will be open that evening as well. Reservations are encouraged.