UHN security guard strikes a chord with his musical career

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Chris Malcolm is a dedicated security guard at Toronto General Hospital. When he's not working the night shift, he's rehearsing or performing with his choir Kevin Adams & Voices of Praise. The group was nominated for its first Juno Award this year. (Photo: UHN)

When Chris Malcolm isn't patrolling the halls of Toronto General Hospital as a security guard, he can be found rehearsing in studios or performing at Toronto venues as a Juno-nominated artist.

Chris has been singing and performing with Kevin Adams & Voices of Praise since 2016. He's performed vocals on three albums, including its most recent, For the Kingdom, which was nominated for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of The Year at the 2022 Juno Awards – the annual ceremony celebrating Canadian musical talent.

Chris and his eight bandmates were picked up by a limo on May 15 and taken to Budweiser Stage for the awards ceremony, hosted by Canadian actor Simu Liu, known for Kim's Convenience and the Marvel character Shang-Chi.

Although the group didn't snag the win – the award went to Manitoba's The Color for its 2021 album No Greater Love – the saying "it's an honour just to be nominated" is true, says Chris.

"We're so grateful to be nominated," he says. "To be seen as artists who love their craft and appreciate what they do – it's surreal.

"It's just nice to be appreciated."

Chris Malcolm, a UHN security guard and member of Kevin Adams & Voices of Praise, poses on the red carpet of the 2022 Juno Awards. Chris, along with his fellow choir members, were nominated for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of The Year. (Photo: Courtesy Chris Malcolm)

Chris met Kevin and Crystal Adams in high school when they sang in talent shows and church events. They reconnected in 2016 and invited Chris to join the choir.

Ever since, he's been attending weekly rehearsals at the group's studio in Vaughan and performing at the Soho House Toronto once a month – all on top of working night shift as a UHN security guard.

"When you're dedicated and you're committed and you love the music – it's easy to do it," says Chris.

"I love what I do – I love singing and I love working at UHN."

Although the night shift can interfere with rehearsal – which can run until 2 a.m. – Chris still finds time to put in the work.

"I practice in secret a lot," Chris says with a laugh, adding that he hums or sings as he walks the hallways, plays music in his ear, or – if patrols take him there – will belt out a tune on the rooftop of TGH.

"I'm here through the night when they're at rehearsal, but that doesn't mean that I can't get it done either," he says.

With Kevin Adams & Voices of Praise set to release another album in 2023, this Juno nomination "won't be the last," says Chris.

For more information, visit www.kavpmusic.com and find Kevin Adams & Voices of Praise on Spotify and other streaming services.

Kevin Adams & Voices of Praise pose on the red carpet at the 2022 Juno Awards. (L to R): Alecia Blair, Simone Smithson, Syleder Hardy, UHN security guard Chris Malcolm, Crystal Adams, Kevin Adams, Ashley Edwards, StacyAnn Jacquett and Beneisha Dyer. (Photo: Courtesy Chris Malcolm)