If there’s an award for being the hardest-working band in show business, Victoria’s own Naden Band would be a strong contender – especially during the holiday season.
The band is heading into a busy time, with performances at Victoria’s Remembrance Day observances, the Santa Claus Parade, holiday shows and various military events.
For more than four decades, their holiday shows have delighted audiences, becoming a cherished annual experience.
“They’ve become a big tradition in Victoria,” says Master Sailor Zachary Everett. “This season marks our 46th show.”
The Naden Band’s Sounds of the Season holiday shows are scheduled for Dec. 9 and 10 at the Royal Theatre in Victoria.
These performances will feature holiday favourites, including music from beloved films, and are part of a long-standing tradition in support of the Salvation Army Toy Drive.
“We’re going to be highlighting a lot of the songs and movies from the holiday season. We’ll be featuring our new vocalist,” Everett says. “And we’ll be performing music from movies like A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Nightmare Before Christmas, along with all the pop songs that everyone knows and loves this time of year.”
Many band members hold degrees from prestigious music schools like Juilliard and Carnegie Mellon, while others have played with internationally renowned groups like the Buena Vista Social Club.
Established in 1940, the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy is 84 years old and remains a vital part of Victoria’s cultural landscape. Many band members hold degrees from prestigious music schools like Juilliard and Carnegie Mellon, while others have significant professional experience, including freelance session work and performing on cruise ships.
Some have even played with internationally renowned groups like the Buena Vista Social Club.
As musical ambassadors, the Naden Band performs at ceremonies and concerts worldwide and is often present for emotional moments like dockside homecomings when sailors return from deployments.
“A ship homecoming is definitely a great thing to be a part of,” Everett says. “It’s emotional, seeing families and children reunite with their loved ones after being apart. And every year, we do a candlelight tribute at the veterans’ cemetery. That’s always pretty powerful.”
For Everett, being part of the holiday season in Victoria is special.
“We’ll be at the head of the Victoria Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 30,” he adds. “And supporting children and families through the toy drive is pretty special, too.”
The Naden Band’s Sounds of the Season holiday shows will take place on Dec. 9 and 10 at the Royal Theatre in Victoria.
Tickets are available now, and attendees are encouraged to bring an unopened toy to support the Salvation Army Toy Drive.
