The annual Holiday Jam for Hunger will return to feed the local appetite for live music while helping fill the shelves for two community organizations.
“I think everyone is really excited to be back in person and playing live music,” says organizer Alysson Storey.
This year’s Holiday Jam for Hunger is being held Dec. 28 at the Sons of Kent Brewing Company in Chatham, beginning at 7 pm All proceeds will go to Hope House – Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent and Chatham-Kent Outreach for Hunger.
The annual concert, which began in 2004, will be held live for the first time since 2019.
“Obviously, we’re not quite out of the pandemic, but it’s a much, much different situation than the last two Christmases,” said Storey, noting virtual events were held in 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic restrictions.
“Obviously, it’s not the same, but we managed to keep it alive during the (COVID) hiatus and really thankful we had the support to do that.”
Holiday Jam concerts have raised nearly $25,000 for local charities since it began.
Noting the event began as a way to address food insecurity in the community, Storey said that need has become “greater than ever, so we can really make a difference with people in our community.”
Many of the participating musicians have been involved with the Hunger Jam over the years, including the headliners, Kings of the North, which includes guitarist and vocalist Steve Walker, brothers Don McLellan Bryan McLellan on bass and drums, Dan Martin on guitar and Nick Novosad on keyboard.
“I was thrilled when Kings of the North agreed to join us for this event,” said 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.”
Local band The Dave Trinca Xperience, featuring Dave Trinca on lead vocals and guitar, Storey on backing vocals and violin, Andrew Payne on backing vocals and keyboard, Brian Cox on electric guitar, Dave French on bass and Steve Bellan on drums, will open for Kings of the North,
New this year are two bands that grew out of a connection with King George VI public school in Chatham – Britney and the Boys and 40 Hours Over, who will lead off the event.
Sons of Kent Brewing and an anonymous donor are generously sponsoring this year’s event, Storey added.
Admission is by donation.
“We know it’s been a tough year for folks and we’re not going put any limits on,” Storey said. “Whatever you’re comfortable donating is totally fine.”