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
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.