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
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
TSB concludes investigation into cause of London, Ont. freight train fire
More than two weeks after a freight train with several railcars ablaze rolled through the heart of the Forest City, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has concluded its investigation.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.