Many talented local musicians are sharing their talents this holiday season to help raise much-needed funds for two local organizations.
The Holiday Jam for Hunger is returning with musicians from across Chatham-Kent on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Sons of Kent Brewing Company in Chatham.
All proceeds from the event will go towards Hope House – Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent and Chatham Outreach for Hunger.
This musical tradition started in 2004 and has continued every year since (online in 2020 and 2021), organized for the past 13 years by local musician Alysson Storey.
While different community organizations have benefited from each concert, addressing food insecurity became the focus several years ago, as the need continues to grow every year.
“All of the participating musicians have strong connections to Chatham-Kent and generously share their talents to benefit Chatham-Kent organizations,” Storey said, in a media release.
“It’s thanks to them the annual Holiday Jam for Hunger shows have raised close to $34,000 for local charities. With the news earlier this year from Chatham-Kent Public Health that 1 in 5 families in CK have to choose between food and rent every month, it’s clear the need is greater than ever.”
Many of the participating musicians have been involved with the Hunger Jam over the years, with an exciting new band joining the line-up this year.
Headlining the event is the Soul Remedy Orchestra, featuring an impressive lineup of talented musicians: Bryan McLellan on drums, Don McLellan on bass and backing vocals, Toby O’Hara on guitar and lead vocals, Clancy O’Hara on keyboard, Finn O’Hara on alto sax, Cal O’Hara on baritone sax, Joel Tomlenovich on trumpet, and Dan Martin on lead electric guitar. This band draws a crowd whenever they play.
“This band features some of the most experienced and in-demand musicians in Chatham-Kent,” Storey added.
“The dance floor is always full when they start to play.”
The band plays a variety of rock and roll, with prog rock, pop and country thrown in for good measure.
The Dave Trinca Xperience (DTX) will be next up, with lead vocals and guitarist Dave Trinca, Dave French on bass, Andrew Payne on drums, Dan Martin on lead guitar, Alysson Storey on fiddle and backing vocals, and Nick Novosad on keyboard.
Local powerhouse band 40 Hours Over will be opening the evening, with Ben Barnard on bass and vocals, Matt Roberts on lead guitar and vocals, and Trent Jeffrey on drums.
This band played its first public show at the Holiday Jam in 2022 and they have skyrocketed into the music world ever since.
Sons of Kent Brewing and an anonymous donor are generously sponsoring this year’s event.
