Naden Band's 'Home for the Holidays' concerts support Salvation Army toy drive
The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Christmas concerts are back this year with two live performances in support of the Salvation Army’s annual toy drive.
In December 2020, the Naden Band was forced to take its holiday concert series online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the full, 35-member Navy Band have two performances of seasonal favourites in front of a live audience at Victoria’s Royal Theatre.
“We’re so excited to finally be back doing live performances supporting the base, and also connecting with the community again,” said Naden Band of the RCN Commanding Officer Lt. Catherine Norris.
“When you are actually at the concerts and you see the mountains of toys that are generated through these concerts and you realize each toy will be going to a child that might not (otherwise) get a toy this Christmas, I think that has a huge impact.”
The Naden Band is marking 43 years of support of the Salvation Army toy drive with this year’s holiday concert series. Norris says it is one of the band’s most highly anticipated performances of the year.
“This concert is normally a big kick-off for the holiday season,” said Norris. “It starts to get everyone in the mood for the holidays and it’s also for such a good cause.”
The Naden Band will be joined by Victoria musical guests “Twin Kennedy.” Carli and Julie Kennedy promise to bring the sounds of a “down home country” Christmas to the concert with a selection of favourite and original seasonal songs.
“You’re going to hear Silver Bells and a song called Cold Weather and many other favourites,” said guitarist and singer Carli Kennedy. “We’re so happy to be home in Victoria for the holidays and being a part of this incredible concert.”
People attending the Dec. 6 and 7 concerts are asked to bring an unwrapped child’s toy that will be donated to the Salvation Army. The donated toys will then be distributed to the hundreds of Greater Victoria children and families supported by the Salvation Army during the holiday season.
“We know that this concert is going to be such a special night not because we’re surrounded by the incredible musicians of the Naden Band, but also because we’re supporting the Salvation Army’s toy drive,” said singer and fiddle player Julie Kennedy. “Playing wth the Naden Band is a dream come true.”
The holiday performances at the Royal Theatre begin at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7. The concerts will include a varied program of holiday and seasonal music featuring the Concert Band, the Pacific Blue Big Band and Naden Band soloists, in addition to the Christmas program by Twin Kennedy.
“We hope that people walk away entertained and in a festive mood,” said Norris. “We also hope they walk away with a sense of community and coming together and that all kids will get a visit from Santa Claus and get something this year.”
Admission for the Naden Band holiday concerts is $12 with an unwrapped toy. Tickets are available at the McPherson Box Office on Pandora Avenue or can be charged by phone at 250-386-6121, or toll-free at 1-888-717-9121. They can also be purchased online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
'$6.66 per day': Advocacy groups disheartened by funding in budget for disability benefit
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
BREAKING Former Air Canada employees among suspects identified in gold heist at Pearson airport: police
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
MPs summon ArriveCan contractor to the House to be admonished in rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.