Heather and Eric – family entertainers / educators

Heather’s communication skills and compelling voice coupled with Eric’s evocative guitar playing and original compositions have charmed audiences all across Canada. Songs such as ‘Macaroni and Cheese’, ‘The Brass Button Man’ and ‘Creatures at Home in the Sea’ have been loved by children (and adults) for generations.

Heather and Eric (Heather Walter and Eric West) have been playing together since 1988 – in schools, concert halls, festivals, children’s events, as well as on radio and television. The musical duo incorporate a strong environmental theme throughout their music, and their performances also convey an appreciation for maritime cultural heritage. Their commitment to these themes has been rewarded through a Newfoundland and Labrador Environment Award, a nomination for a Governor General’s Award, and as finalists for a 2000 Alberta Emerald Award.

As well as performing, Heather and Eric have also starred in three television specials and numerous radio programs with CBC (national and regional) and two television specials with Cable Atlantic. Their first CBC TV show, No Small Wonder won a North American Film and Video Award from the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Heather and Eric have also developed a series of marine education musical videos for Sesame Street Canada that were broadcast nationally for several years.

Heather and Eric have produced two critically acclaimed studio recordings entitled Creatures at Home in the Sea and No Small Wonder. They also co-wrote a fictional children’s story/CD of songs, Wind Over Dark Tickle (Breakwater Books, Newfoundland, 1996) which led to a CBC radio special and a CBC national television show, broadcast in October of 1999. Their most recent publication is a songbook/CD entitled Let’s Sing a Song (Vinland Music, 2007) – an anthology of  25 of their original compositions and folk song arrangements.

Reviews

“The songs and deft guitar playing of Eric West provide a strong musical base for the abundant talents of lead singer Heather Walter, who displays the engaging personality needed for success in this genre.” (Today’s Parent Magazine)

“This group is sowing seeds for all those who delight in the wonders of the world and good fun. They offer a spirited insight with delightful enthusiasm. From the beautifully painted Di Dabinett back-drop, to the hand-crafted puppets, a Heather and Eric concert comes as a total package that tickles the senses and touches the heart and mind.” (The Grand Falls Advertiser, Newfoundland)

“The children still remember you from the concert you performed here a year ago. I’m looking forward to your new album and more ear-catching, heart-touching. toe-tapping songs. Your musical talents are a feather in the cap of the music community. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.”(Sue Moleski, music teacher, Banff Elementary School, Alberta)

“Not only was your show entertaining, but what valuable lessons we learned. Your love and respect for the earth just pours out of the songs. It’s not just for show, but for REAL.”(Mona Walker, Ashby School, Cape Breton) 

“…delightful, practical, and upbeat… just what is needed… makes young people feel that they can contribute individually to change. I love your music! (Moyra Tooke, Learning for a Sustainable Future, Ottawa)