By Kerry J Newstead
CAYUGA—An annual Christmas tradition returned to the Ruthven Coach House as Tia McGraff and her husband, Tommy Parham, came to spread some Christmas cheer.
McGraff said at the December 1, 2024 event, “Tommy and I just love performing here at Ruthven in the Carriage House. And we had a great turn out today.”
“A few years before the pandemic, we made this an annual Christmas concert. And then we couldn’t do it for a few years,” she added. “We are so grateful to be back here today.”
The pair is internationally known for their music, having played across North America and throughout Great Britian. McGraff’s vocals have been compared to an angel singing.
When they lived in Memphis, they adopted a rescue dog named Jake who became part of their shows, sitting with them on stage while they played. Jake has since passed away, but a photo of him sits on the floor now.
McGraff is no stranger to Haldimand, as her mother was born in Nelles Corners and her uncles Brent and Brock ran MacDonald’s Auto Parts.
At the Ruthven event, the couple played some Christmas favourites along with some of their original material. They introduced a new song, ‘Christmas in Hebden Bridge’, a song that could one day become a Christmas classic.
The pair had the audience clapping and singing along. McGraff also noted, “If you want to cry, you are allowed to.”
For those that missed the event, keep an eye on the Ruthven event schedule as the couple intends to return to Cayuga.
