In a world where saints and sinners collide on stage, Windsor’s beloved supergroup The S’Aints are proving that rock ‘n’ roll salvation comes with a charitable twist. They transform traditional holiday tunes into electrifying rock anthems, all while fighting hunger in their community. With twelve albums under their belt since 2012 and nearly $750,000 raised for local food banks, these musical missionaries are preparing to once again turn Caesars Windsor’s Colosseum into a sanctuary of sound and social change on December 20.
“What we try to do is bring about a 50-50 kind of approach… 50% Christmas songs and 50% feel good rock ‘n’ roll Classics,” reveals frontman Jody Raffoul, hinting at a mysterious new element in this year’s show that has him particularly excited. Four sentences about the anticipation building around the upcoming performance, while maintaining the secrecy Raffoul insists upon.
At the heart of this musical crusade stands Raffoul himself, whose philanthropic spirit runs deep in his Lebanese roots. “My parents came here in 1958 and 1959. They had nothing but a lot of heart and a lot of grind and they worked as labourers in the fields during the day and at night they worked in factories. They helped people, do the same thing that they did by giving them a hand up as they settled in over here in this great new place called Canada”.
Behind the scenes, the band’s preparation has been under way for a while. “When the end of October comes around, we start focusing on two months preparation for The S’Aints operation,” Raffoul explains, noting St. Clair College’s crucial support in making it all possible. The coordination of ten busy musicians becomes a logistical symphony in itself, with each member juggling professional commitments. Despite the scheduling challenges, their dedication to the cause never wavers.
The musical chemistry of The S’Aints is a carefully crafted blend of talent. “Kelly Howl and Wes Buckley have such phenomenal ears. They figure out a lot of what the background vocals are doing,” Raffoul shares. The band’s approach to arranging combines Beatles-inspired harmonies with Mr. Chill’s signature wind instruments, creating a unique sonic landscape. Jeff Burrows, the drummer, serves as the group’s anchor, “making everything make sense when it gets a little thick in the room.”
Speaking of Buckley, Raffoul can’t contain his admiration: “Wes is the most talented human being I have ever met in my life, at everything in life!” The Detroit-based laser engineer, who started jamming with Raffoul in 2001, has grown from having two grandchildren to twelve, all while maintaining his role as the band’s Swiss Army knife of talent. His ability to solve any problem, from complex harmonies to mechanical fixes, has earned him legendary status among his bandmates.
The rhythm section boasts Jeff Burrows, whose rockstar pedigree is matched only by his work ethic. “He puts his nose to the grind and is no nonsense,” Raffoul emphasizes. Alongside Jeff, David “Jean Guy” Cyrenne, affectionately known as “Pants” for his superior fashion sense, provides both musical talent and a rehearsal space at his recording studio. Their foundation allows the band to explore new musical territories while maintaining their signature sound.
This year’s concert features special guests that add extra sparkle to the holiday spectacular. The Windsor Optimist Youth Band drumline, The Horns of Dilemma, and Walkerville Collegiate Institute’s string section join forces with The S’Aints, creating an unprecedented musical collaboration. The addition of The Sinners Choir promises to elevate the performance to new heights, making this year’s show a true community celebration.
Kelly “Mr. Chill” Hoppe, pushing 70, stands as a testament to musical dedication. “He is the hardest working person in our band when it comes to figuring their parts out,” Raffoul declares. His mastery of wind instruments and harmonica playing has earned him admiration from rockstars across the spectrum. Despite his veteran status, he consistently outworks his younger bandmates, bringing both professionalism and showmanship to every performance.
The female powerhouse of the band includes Kelly Howell, whose perfect pitch and cruise ship experience brings a professional edge to the ensemble. “She puts the ‘A’int’ in S’Aints!” Raffoul exclaims. The Twisted Sisters – Elizabeth Robinson and Stephanie Baker – complete the vocal harmony section, bringing their natural talents and Beatles-inspired arrangements to the mix. Their contributions extend beyond music, with Robinson famously bringing her mother’s treats to rehearsals.
Marty Bak, the band’s recording specialist, emerges as another crucial piece of the puzzle. “Marty is one of the hardest working men I’ve ever met in this crazy business of music,” Raffoul shares. His technical expertise and dedication have helped the group produce twelve albums since 2012, each capturing the unique energy of their holiday interpretations.
Jim O’Neill, the newest addition to the lineup, brings two decades of Windsor performance experience to his role as lead guitarist. His versatility in different guitar styles and untapped background vocal abilities add fresh possibilities to the band’s evolving sound. His reliability and positive attitude have quickly made him an integral part of the ensemble.
The concert’s charitable impact continues to grow, with nearly $750,000 raised since its inception. However, the need remains pressing. “It saddens me to say this, but the harsh reality is that it has gotten worse… There are more and more hungry people in our area than there have ever been,” Raffoul reflects, his voice carrying genuine concern.
This year’s performance promises a mix of traditional holiday favorites and feel-good rock classics. “Honestly, in my opinion, the songs are great spiritual lifting tunes that aren’t necessarily your everyday Christmas songs; such as Share the Land from The Guess Who or All You Need is Love from The Beatles,” Raffoul explains. The band’s innovative arrangements transform familiar tunes into fresh, energetic performances.
The logistics of bringing together such a large ensemble presents its own challenges. “Coordinating schedules is absolutely one of the most difficult things we do as a group,” Raffoul admits. Despite the complexities, the band members prioritize these performances, understanding their significance to the community.
St. Clair College’s support proves instrumental in making the annual event possible. Their partnership, along with media sponsor AM800 and community partners Devonshire Mall and Liuna625!, creates a foundation for the concert’s success. The collaboration ensures that 100% of ticket proceeds directly benefit local food banks.
For Raffoul, the motivation runs deep in his immigrant roots. His parents’ journey from Lebanon in the late 1950s instilled values of giving back and community support. Their example of working in fields by day and factories by night, while helping other newcomers, continues to inspire his commitment to charitable causes.
The concert’s impact extends beyond immediate food bank support. It creates a ripple effect of community engagement, bringing together multiple generations of musicians and audiences. The inclusion of student performers from Walkerville Collegiate Institute demonstrates the event’s role in nurturing future talent while addressing present needs.
Looking toward the future, Raffoul remains passionate about the mission. “I don’t give a shit who you are, if you have a lot, you should share. We’re not here for that long, we should share a lot more for sure,” he states with characteristic directness. His philosophy reflects the band’s collective commitment to using their musical gifts for community benefit.
As The S’Aints prepare to take the stage at Caesars Windsor’s Colosseum on December 20, they carry forward a tradition that appears to have no end. The combination of rock ‘n’ roll spirit, holiday cheer, and charitable purpose creates an event that exemplifies the best of Windsor’s artistic and philanthropic communities. In Raffoul’s words, “Being able to help the people who need it the most, getting together with my brothers and sisters in this group every holiday season… All of that inspires me.”
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.
