Canada's Double Portion from North Battleford, Sask., is a unique group in many ways.
This five-piece gospel band is made up of entirely one family! Parents Duncan & Debbie Hemmerling have just welcomed their 10th child onto the bus, evening the count at five boys and five girls.
Juggling homework and musical instruments is a daily routine for the Hemmerling children. They trade in riding the school bus for riding across the country in Canada's Double Portion tour bus for almost half the year.
Double Portion will be in concert Sept. 23 at Comox Pentecostal Church — one performance only at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and encouraged to invite a friend. There is no admission cost, however an opportunity given for donation.
2012 marks the 30th year of ministry for this veteran group. Originating with Duncan and his three sisters, Canada's Double Portion has crisscrossed the continent from Newfoundland to British Columbia, Georgia to Alaska.
Three decades of travels have provided unique experiences like singing on the Grand Ole' Opry stage, backing up Johnny and June Cash at a Cash/Rivers family reunion and performing with many of gospel music's premier groups at North America's largest events. However, experience has taught this family that the smaller things in life are often the most rewarding!
Abundant songwriting talent has resulted in 17 albums, three recorded in Nashville, Tennessee and several concert DVDs. They have received numerous award nominations in both the Saskatchewan Country Music Association and the Gospel Music Association Canada (GMA Canada).
They have been honoured with the Country Gospel Song of the Year, Album of The Year, Live Band of the Year and Southern Gospel Song of the Year Awards. Even more rewarding has been meeting and sharing with people in unique places like Little Heart's Ease, Love, Porcupine, Elbow, Stand Off, Goobies and Whitehorse!
Double Portion's strong family ties and deep faith has sustained and motivated them to bring their music to people everywhere. They count it a privilege to serve in any setting.
For details about the local concert, call 250-339-4536.
— Double Portion