National Cast
National Cast - TeleMiracle 48
We are thrilled to announce the TeleMiracle 48 National Cast.
Join us on February 24th & 25th, 2024 for TeleMiracle 48.
We are thrilled to announce the TeleMiracle 48 National Cast.
Join us on February 24th & 25th, 2024 for TeleMiracle 48.
Beverley Mahood is a Belfast-born, proudly Canadian singer-songwriter, actress, model, television host, and producer.
Known for her solo albums and her work with David Foster’s Juno-nominated trio Lace, she has written songs for artists like Celine Dion and Little River Band, hosted shows including Pick A Puppy and Breakfast Television, and performed for audiences ranging from the G8 World Leaders to the Royal Family.
A recipient of the Slaight Music Humanitarian Award, Beverley supports Canada’s Food Banks, the Pink Mitten Campaign.
She returns in 2026 as one of the TeleMiracle Legacy Cast. Her close friendship with longtime TeleMiracle host Bob McGrath was highlighted during TeleMiracle 42, when he surprised her on air a moment that captured the heart and spirit of the show.
TeleMiracle 50 will mark Beverley’s 29th year as part of the TeleMiracle Cast.
Brad Johner has been a dedicated and longstanding member of the national cast for the annual TeleMiracle telethon in Saskatchewan. In 2011, he co-wrote the event’s opening theme song, “You Are the Miracle,” alongside fellow Saskatchewan artist Donny Parenteau, which became the new anthem for the telethon. Through his participation both on-air and behind the scenes, Brad has helped raise awareness and funds for the telethon, reinforcing his commitment to community and charitable work in his home province.
Brad Johner got his start performing with his family band in Midale, Saskatchewan, before teaming up with his brother Ken as The Johner Brothers. They burst onto the Canadian country scene in 1991, winning Duo of the Year from the CCMA and going on to release six hit albums, 26 singles, and earn over 80 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards, including Entertainers of the Decade.
In 2002 Ken retired from touring while Brad continued with a thriving solo career, releasing six acclaimed albums and earning national recognition, including the CCMA’s Male Artist of the Year.
2025 saw the Johner Brothers return with their new release, “Bring Back the Mullet,” and a busy year of performances across Western Canada. Backed by three of Brad’s sons, their shows deliver a dynamic, family- driven sound that blends heartfelt harmonies, polished musicianship, and genuine prairie charm.
TeleMiracle 50 will mark Brad’s 29th year as part of the TeleMiracle Cast.
Dione Taylor is a two-time Juno and Gemini nominated artist who has shared the stage with Patti Labelle, The Neville Brothers, Ann Peebles, David Clayton Thomas, Buffy St Marie, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks , Tom Cochrane, Jeff Healey, Blind Boy Paxton, War and Treaty, Birds of Chicago, Colin Linden, Tom Wilson, Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, David Foster and Colin James . With performances at festivals and concert theatres across the United States, Canada and Asia for audiences that have included the President of the United States and Queen Elizabeth II, Taylor has made a worthy name for herself as one of this country’s most talented musicians and songstresses.
Music has always been an important and integral part of Dione Taylor’s life. A pastor’s daughter, she was born and raised in a family she describes as “really connected to the gift of song. My whole family sings and plays instruments in church,” praises Ms. Taylor, who began playing the organ at age four and by ten was the music director and organist at The Shiloh Assembly Church (Apostolic) in Regina.
Taylor was nominated for a Gemini Award for her rendition of Oscar Peterson’s “Hymn to Freedom,” which she performed alongside Oliver Jones at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala. Taylor is also the recipient of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award Mentorship Program.
Her latest album “Spirits in the Water” has received wide critical acclaim and is being played on airwaves and playlists all over the world. Dione won the award for Album of the Year 2020 from Blues and Roots Radio Worldwide, was nominated for Blues album of the Year by the Juno’s, nominated for 2 awards by the Independent Blues Awards for “Best New Artist” and “Best New Artist CD” and was awarded “Recording Artist of The Year 2021” from Folk Music Ontario.
Jay Semko is bassist/vocalist with multiple JUNO Award nominees and Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame members The Northern Pikes, and is an award winning music composer for numerous film and TV productions, including the syndicated series, “Due South”. He is considered one of Canada’s premiere singer/songwriters, with 10 solo albums released, is a two-time Saskatchewan Country Music Awards winner (Roots Artist of the Year 2012 & 2015) and multiple Western Canadian Music Awards nominee. He has co-written and recorded with many of the best songwriters and musicians in music, and his first book, “The Poetry & Lyrics of Jay Semko”, was published in 2021. “Time to Time”, the latest album from The Northern Pikes, dropped June 9, 2023 and Jay is currently at work on a new solo album, “Spiritual”, to be released in early 2024.
Jay is a person in recovery living with Bipolar Disorder who openly shares his experiences with mental health and addiction challenges through his music, writing and public speaking, and in 2023 was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the Arts and mental health advocacy in Saskatchewan. Jay continues to tour across Canada as a solo artist and with the Northern Pikes, sharing his songs, stories and adventures from his life in music and beyond.
Saskatchewan singer-songwriter and pianist Jeffery Straker returns to the TeleMiracle cast with his rootsy, storytelling style. Twice named Roots-Folk Artist of the Year at the Saskatchewan Music Awards, he’s often compared to legends like Kris Kristofferson and Jackson Browne and remains one of the province’s most celebrated touring artists.
In 2024, Straker released his ninth studio album, “Great Big Sky,” a heartfelt collection inspired by the vastness of the Canadian prairies. The record earned him the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Canadian Folk Singer of the Year. A copy of the album even found its way to Buckingham Palace, where it caught the attention of HRH King Charles III, who personally thanked him for his music.
In 2024, Straker released his ninth album, “Great Big Sky,” inspired by the Canadian prairies. The record won the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Canadian Folk Singer of the Year and even reached Buckingham Palace, earning praise from HRH King Charles III.
TeleMiracle 50 will mark Jeffery’s 15th year as part of the TeleMiracle Cast.
Jill Straker was born and raised near small town Punnichy, Saskatchewan. She grew up singing at the old upright piano on the family farm with her brother, Singer/Songwriter/Piano Player Jeffery Straker, and has been singing professionally with him as his backing vocalist for over 17 years. Jill has had the pleasure of traveling across Canada with Jeffery, singing in festivals, house concerts and theatre shows.
When Jill isn’t performing with Jeffery, she works as an Administrative Assistant and is a mom to her busy, beautiful daughter. In the past few years, Jill has gained a whole other league of fans when she launched a home business of making and selling cheesecakes. As she always says, “you don’t make friends with salad!”
Growing up watching Telemiracle and having close friends benefit from the funds raised, Jill has always had a special place in her heart for the telethon. She is grateful to be back for her 14th year, and as part of the National Cast for Telemiracle 49!
Born and raised in Moose Jaw, Lisa Franks developed a deep love for sports and the outdoors from a young age. At just 14, her life took a dramatic turn when a cluster of blood vessels burst in her spinal cord, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down. Over time, she regained the use of her arms and adapted to life using a wheelchair. It was during this period that she discovered wheelchair racing, a sport in which she quickly excelled, eventually earning six gold and one silver medal at the Paralympic Games.
Lisa’s passion for innovation and accessibility led her to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. Her love for the outdoors sparked an interest in adaptive mountain biking, and she has since been actively involved in projects mapping outdoor trails for accessibility. During the summer months, she leads the Saskatchewan Adaptive Mountain Bike Club and in the winter you can often find Lisa surfing the waves of the west coast – all while traveling in her custom wheelchair accessible campervan.
Having lived, studied, worked, and thrived in Saskatchewan her entire life, Lisa holds a deep appreciation for the province and its community. Witnessing the unity and generosity of Saskatchewan’s people through initiatives like Telemiracle has only strengthened her pride in calling this place home.
Luc Johner is a husband, father of three, singer, songwriter, pianist, and photographer based out of Saskatoon, Canada. He is part of the band The Johner Boys with three of his brothers. For over a decade, they have performed across western Canada on their own as well as with their dad and uncle, The Johner Brothers. This is Luc’s 12th year on the Telemiracle National Cast.
A “Storyteller by heart,” Sabeen has certainly found her calling in the world of radio and television, as well as public speaking, professional event emceeing, and hosting. Over nearly 20 years in front of the camera and microphone, there are precious few places where Sabeen hasn’t made her presence felt – raising the level of any endeavor she involves herself in to one that is truly world-class.
Armed with poise and comportment that see her excel under any circumstance, Sabeen honed her craft early, allowing her to combine fresh, youthful energy with the refined grace and self-possession of a seasoned veteran.
The unique pairing of these skills and abilities has seen Sabeen curate a sparkling resume, the likes of which are largely unrivaled in her field. Along with working at CTV Regina, working with organizations like The Saskatchewan Rush, Roughriders Football Club, The Canadian Football League, and the Grey Cup Committee, as well as the City of Regina and Regina Police Service, just to name a few, Sabeen’s passion for her community continues to shine through with each new, decidedly large-scale project she undertakes.
A champion away from the spotlight, she also gives her time and talents to various organizations, advocating for mental health and women’s initiatives across the province.
Teagan Littlechief is a proud Cree woman from the White Bear First Nations north of Carlyle, Saskatchewan. Teagan is currently the reigning SCMA Indigenous Artist of the Year, for the second year in a row, and recipient of the last Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Award. Teagan’s distinctive powerhouse vocals, and high energy shows have made her a well-known and beloved Saskatchewan performer. In 2022 Teagan received National recognition, playing one of the largest stages in Canada; the 109th Canadian Grey Cup. Not only did Teagan sing the National Anthem, but she made history singing the Anthem in 3 languages: English, French and Cree. Her performance created a large buzz on social media and within mainstream media.
Littlechief is a passionate advocate for bringing awareness to two major causes: Domestic Abuse and Substance abuse. Since 2017 Teagan has been combining her passion for touching hearts through music and speaking to others about the dangers of Substance Abuse. By sharing her own story with music, humour, and hope Teagan has created “Rise Above”; A story of one Cree woman’s battle and survival with Domestic Abuse and Substance Abuse. Teagan’s hope is by sharing her story with youth, women, both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities and groups, she can maybe affect change in one person’s life.
The Telemiracle House Band is composed of five of Saskatchewan’s most accomplished musicians, boasting an astonishing 250 years of combined professional experience. Together, they form the musical backbone of the annual TeleMiracle broadcast—bringing energy, precision, and heart to every performance.
Led by Sheldon Corbett (saxophone/keyboard), the band features Jack Semple (guitar/vocals), Dave Chobot (bass/vocals), Don Griffith (keyboards/vocals), and Glenn Ens (drums/percussion). Each member is a celebrated artist, with extensive backgrounds spanning country, jazz, pop, rock, blues, and more.
When they come together for TeleMiracle, their chemistry and craftsmanship shine—elevating every act and moment on stage. Despite their busy individual schedules with gigs, recordings, and musical projects across the province, these five veterans reunite each year to create the unmistakable live sound that has become a beloved part of the TeleMiracle tradition.