The Dandeneau Family Six, a well-known Manitoba family band with deep Interlake roots, returned to the stage to support a Stonewall church fundraiser, bringing with them a legacy of music, memories and community connection.
The six siblings from Fisher Branch performed at the Feel the Warmth fundraiser in support of Christ the King Roman Catholic Church. The event raised money toward a new boiler system, with all proceeds going directly to the project. Organizers hoped the concert would attract longtime fans as well as newcomers, and the sold-out crowd filled Stonewall Legion Branch No. 52 on Saturday, June 20. A community dance followed the performance. Thanks to the successful fundraising effort, the church has since purchased the new boiler.
More than 50 years after first performing together, the Dandeneau Family Six reunited in Stonewall on June 20 for the Feel the Warmth fundraiser, raising money for a new boiler system at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church
“I think we all had a longing to get together and sing,” said Denis Dandeneau. More than 50 years after first gaining recognition, the Dandeneau Family Six took the stage together once again, this time, with the help of their children, grandchildren, cousins, and in-laws.
“Performance-wise this was a huge undertaking because we’re that much older,” said Therese Dandeneau. “Our voices are no longer sharp. We haven’t been singing for years.” The siblings now range from ages 64 to 81.
Despite the years away from performing, the siblings said their passion for music never faded.
“Music is a necessity in life,” Denis said. “It just had to be there.”
While generations of family members gathered on stage and in the audience, Tanis Dandeneau said there was still “a huge void.” Her father, Edmond Dandeneau, was the eldest sibling and it was under his guidance that the band was formed. He is also the only sibling to pass away.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion, but how bittersweet it was to see the family carry on playing the songs and tunes I grew up with,” said Tanis. “Having my uncle Denis dedicate a song to Dad in memory of him was filled with tears of joy.”
Family members echoed those emotions throughout the evening, including Ed’s wife, Shirley, who watched from the audience.
“We had to honour him,” said Therese. “A lot of people in the community, and people that knew us from before, knew him and remembered him, and loved his playing.”
The family band also paid tribute to their parents, Gerard and Margaret Dandeneau, who supported their music from the very beginning. Denis recalled his parents buying the siblings guitars, picks and even a fiddle. The family transformed their living room into a rehearsal space, and rather than asking the children to quiet down, Gerard and Margaret simply sat and listened.
During the concert, the band honoured their parents with a performance of “Family Bible,” inviting their sisters to join them on stage for the tribute. The emotional performance celebrated the family’s faith and the support Gerard and Margaret gave their children throughout their musical journey.
The siblings welcomed many family members to join them on stage, including Therese’s grandson, Ethan Enns, who plays guitar for another band; David Dandeneau’s daughter, Marie-Josie (MJ) Dandeneau, an internationally recognized bassist; and their cousin, Greg Dandeneau, from Saskatchewan, who played harmonica.
The family’s love of music inspired younger relatives to take up music again or begin for the first time. Following the concert, Therese said one of her granddaughters told her she wanted to begin singing again because “I just wanted to be up there.”
“I keep telling her, ‘You have to do what you’re passionate about, and you are passionate about that,’” said Therese.
Although excited to reunite, the siblings admitted they were nervous before taking the stage. They opened the evening with an a cappella performance of the Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road,” a choice some members initially questioned.
“Some of the people in our band didn’t want to do it,” said Therese.
Despite their hesitation, the opening number became one of the evening’s most memorable moments for Therese and Denis. The audience’s enthusiastic applause gave the band the energy to continue.
“After that, I felt the confidence,” said Denis.
“I felt we got the love,” added Therese.
Attendees complimented the family band on their powerful messages of love and caring. These themes were evident in the last song of the night, “United We Stand,” which was one of the band’s favourites. David explained that the song highlights the importance of community.
“When adversity strikes our families and neighbourhoods, we unite and come together,” David said. He said the song encourages people to recognize and help address challenges both within their own communities and around the world. The family’s fundraising performance reflected that message.
Known for their close harmonies and versatile musicianship, the Fisher Branch family band gained recognition in the early 1970s with appearances on the Winnipeg-produced television variety show Good Times. Made up of siblings Ed, David, Denis, Roland, Therese and Noella, the group soon built a reputation that extended well beyond their home community.
Over the years, the Dandeneau Family Six performed on national television, played for Queen Elizabeth II, and shared the stage with numerous well-known performers, cementing their place in Manitoba’s musical history.
While their performances once took them across the country, their recent appearance carries a more personal tone — a return to the stage for a cause rooted in community and faith. For many in the region, the performance offered a rare opportunity to once again experience a group whose music formed part of the cultural fabric of rural Manitoba.
Therese and Denis said they were humbled by the audience’s response. One attendee told the band he had been a fan since the early days and wouldn’t have missed the reunion performance.
“Knowing you’re giving joy to people is so important,” Therese said. “The world needs more music.”
