The historic hall, renovated and renewed, welcomes back the Andy Kim Christmas show on December 6, 2023 beginning at 8pm. Juno award winning artist Andy Kim comes well prepared with host Sean Cullen along with a number of famous musical artists and groups joining him during the special 19th annual Christmas celebration in support of CAMH's Gifts of Light. Andy explained that he gets melancholy during the holiday season and to lighten his depression he decided to create the Christmas concert with the help of his talented friends who come from far and wide to support him and the cause. To raise the most money possible everyone performs for free which makes the charity concert even more special. The show is light on Christmas songs but it is just as well as the the artists sang their hits to the crowd during the holiday season.
Andy speaks on screen during pretaped introduction
It's beautiful in the historic hall, all fresh from the renovations
New Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow welcomes Andy and congratulates him on his 19th show in support of CAMH and mental health
Toronto appreciated the singer so much that in 2021 the Mayor presented Andy Kim with a Key to the City and he had his own day acknowledged on December 8 as Andy Kim Day in Toronto. From the City "Kim is also known for his charitable giving. His annual Andy Kim Christmas Show, now in its 17th year, has raised more than $2 million in support of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and many children’s charities. Kim, who has called Toronto home for more than 20 years, created a Toronto tradition that celebrates togetherness, charity and the spirit of the holiday season."
“I can’t believe it’s the 19th Annual Andy Kim Christmas supporting CAMH Gifts of Light. I’m so thankful to Toronto’s community of talented artists, each year they come together & donate their time for such a worthy cause,” said Andy Kim. “The heart of this great city continues to inspire as we come together, as one, for an evening of music and love.” Mr. Kim began his musical career very early at 16 and has won two JUNO awards along with many honours including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canada's Walk of Fame as well as an appointment to the Order of Canada. He also has nine Billboard Top 40 hits which include two gold records for Sugar, Sugar and Rock Me Gently.
It became one giant supergroup and the crowd gets to its feet
The Andy Kim Christmas provides a variety musical showcase featuring Christmas holiday performances by "The Damn Truth, Beverley Mahood, Erica Ehm, Tommy Brunett of Modern English join previously announced Alex Lifeson, Maestro Fresh Wes, Men Without Hats, Ron Sexsmith, Tom Wilson, The Good Brothers, The Sadies and more." In a venue just a stones throw from the Toronto Eaton Centre at 178 Victoria Street the annual event brings some of the top musical acts to the 6ix just in time for the Christmas season.
Men Without Hats lead singer Ivan Doroschuk belts out his pop hits on stage - Safety Dance and Pop Goes the World
Part of the supergroup's guitar players
Hip Hop pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes
Host and comedian Sean Cullen points to members in the crowd
The Dam Truth band
Ron Sexsmith did sing a Christmas song
Andy Kim looks back to his friends on stage
We had a lot of fun at this concert, music was fantastic and Massey Hall itself is pretty spectacular as well. See more photos of the concert after the jump.
Beverley Mahood
The Good Brothers
Tom Wilson (right) and his son (left)
Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo (in blue jeans) plays one of the band's hits
Another great post by Ann and James!
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