I’m not sure who appreciated Sharon, Lois & Bram more – the kids who loved their music and ate up their TV series The Elephant Show or the parents who could get a 30-minute break and appreciate the kids’ show at the same time.
Trio member Lois Lilienstein has died.
She had retired from the group in 2000, leaving her colleagues to continue as Sharon, Bram & Friends. But she did continue to record and appear in the occasional benefit show.
The group started in 1978 as folk singers and children’s entertainers, but it was their TV show that made them Canadian icons. It made a point of introducing children to a range of musical styles and always included an established Canadian entertainer, like Ann Mortifee, Andrea Martin and others.
Sharon, Lois & Bram received multiple awards, including three Juno awards and the Order of Canada and breakfasted with fans Hilary and Bill Clinton in the White House in 1994. And the playground in June Rowlands Park at Davisville and Mt. Pleasant is named after the trio.
I’m imagining Lilienstein is teaching Skinnamarink to everyone in that big daycare in the sky – including the motions.
susanc@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto
