Many talented local musicians are sharing their talents this holiday season; all to help raise much needed funds for the local food bank.
For this 15th annual Holiday Jam for Hunger, musicians from across Chatham Kent and southern Ontario will be gracing the stage on Saturday, December 28 at Sons of Kent Brewing Company in Chatham.
All proceeds from the event will go towards to the Chatham-Kent Outreach for Hunger.
New for 2019, donations will also be accepted at ARTspace in downtown Chatham.
This musical tradition started in 2004 and has continued every year since, organized the last eight years by local musician Alysson Storey.
While different community organizations have benefited from each concert, several years ago Chatham-Kent Outreach for Hunger was adopted as the annual recipient, as the need continues to grow every year.
“All of the musicians playing have strong connections to Chatham-Kent and want to support local organizations like Outreach for Hunger which is filling such an important need,” stated Storey in a media release.
“I’m happy to say the Holiday Jam annual events have raised close to $20,000 for local charities, which is a true testament to the community spirit here in CK.”
Many of the participating musicians have been involved with the Hunger Jam over the years. Rob Mitchell, a singer-songwriter born and raised in Chatham, has released two CDs of original work and was also a finalist in the 2016 CBC Searchlight music competition.
Mitchell, who now lives in Guelph, has played in the Holiday Jam almost every year since its inception with the Chatham Funk All-Stars.
“We never imagined all those years ago this event would still be running today,” stated Mitchell.
“I’m happy to support my hometown whenever I can, so I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
Local band the Dave Trinca Xperience is second on the docket, with Dave Trinca on lead vocals and guitar, Alysson Storey backup vocals and violin, Brian Cox on electric guitar, Dave French on bass, and Dan Davidson on drums.
This group started many years ago around the campfire in Rondeau and has played locally in a more formal capacity for several years.
Local music legends make up the headliner act Kings of the North. This multi-talented band was recently formed by several of the best musicians in Chatham-Kent.
With lead vocals and guitarist Steve Walker, brothers Don McLellan on bass and Bryan McLellan on drums, Dan Martin on guitar and Nick Novosad on keyboard, this band is already drawing a crowd whenever they play.
“I was thrilled when Kings of the North agreed to join us for this event,” stated Storey. “They are such a talented band and play a lot of music that you love but you rarely hear live. It’s going to be a real treat for music lovers.”
New this year is a partnership with local arts organization ARTspace.
Located in downtown Chatham, this active artist-showcase launched a food drive in November and is partnering with the Holiday Jam as a drop-off location for anyone interested in contributing non-perishable food items ahead of the event.
Sons of Kent Brewing and an anonymous donor are generously sponsoring this year’s event.
Holiday Jam for Hunger takes place Saturday, December 28 at Sons of Kent Brewing, 27 Adelaide St South in Chatham.
The event starts at 7.30 pm and admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to Chatham-Kent Outreach for Hunger.
For more event information, please contact Alysson Storey at 519-365-2129 or alyssonstorey@gmail.com.
For more information on Chatham-Kent Outreach for Hunger, please visit www.outreachforhunger.com.
For more information about ARTspace please call 519-352-1064 or visit www.artspacechathamkent.com.
