Having earned the title of one of the busiest Canadian Gospel groups in Canada, the band is currently touring Northern Ontario having begun in Kenora, April 2^nd and scheduled to return to the Northshore playing venues in Manitouwadge April 24^th and 25^th wrapping up the tour in Terrace Bay that same evening (April 25^th). They’ve been in our neck of the woods before having crisscrossed thecountry from Newfoundland to British Columbia, Nashville to Alaska, performing for thousands of fans along the way.   

The group originated when the Hemmerling family, three sisters and their brother began singing while their father ministered. Duncan Hemmerling, now an ordained reverend, continues on the calling with his wife Debbie and
their nine children. Their oldest son Andrew is the group’s lead drummer though younger brother Bronson also took the sticks for a few songs during the evening;  joining them on stage are brother Jardeth, the group’s guitarist and sister Christina playing fiddle – both of these siblings also provide strong vocals to accompany and lead the band.

Multitalented Amy Olson joins the Hemmerling family on fiddle, piano and vocals. Since beginning full-time ministry in August 1990, Double-Portion has had some huge opportunities to share the gospel message; appearing on stage at the Grand ‘Ol Opry;  artists of the legendary Cash family and at the largest county fair in the U.S.A. They have performed at both the Artist Spotlight Showcase during the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky and the Canadian Gospel Music Celebration in Red Deer, Alberta. Tours have taken them to all of Canada and thirty-four States including T.V. appearances on local, national and international shows.  

Band lead, father Duncan Hemmerling, took the opportunity between sets to plug their fourteen albums which were available for purchase at the performance.    

Among the evening’s highlights was when Hemmerling invited all 9 of his children to take the stage and perform several songs together; the younger performers of this incredibly gifted family; Octavia, 3 yrs old and Olivia, 5 yrs old, held their own among their siblings powerful vocals and inspired young spectators who took the floor in front of the stage to dance along.  Attendees enjoyed free coffee and a great spread of desserts which they helped themselves to throughout the casual performance.

Double Portion offers musical selections to suit any taste, and are not to be missed when they return to the area playing at the Manitouwadge High School Theatre, April 24^th and at the Terrace Bay Gospel Assembly April 25^th.