Host Ken Tizzard with the Holtby family 

The word is out—Trent Hills has some great musical talent! What better occasion to show it off than the holidays, when people are looking to celebrate community as they get into the Christmas spirit? That’s just what happened on December 5th, when the Aron Theatre Co-op hosted its FOURTH annual holiday concert featuring 20 acts, each with their own unique style. 

Organized and introduced by a gracious and encouraging Ken Tizzard of Music for Goats and Whiskey Wednesday Show podcast fame, there were holiday ties, toques, and even festive red lipstick, not to mention some great ugly sweaters (shout out to the cool AC/DC sweater in red and green). Set changes were quick as most acts played only for a song or two, assisted by the ever-efficient Barry the tech guy and the emcee Ken, who almost had to stand in as a music stand at one point. Andy Thompson was also hard at work in the sound booth and received several shout outs from grateful artists throughout the evening.

But then there was the music—what we all came to hear. Performers came from all over—Roseneath, Peterborough, Warkworth and of course Campbellford. An impressive number brought of original songs too, kicked off by a pair of energetic kids named Benjamin and Aveline on the jingle bells accompanying dad Matthew Holtby on guitar and vocals (Matthew’s dad Neil Holtby also played trombone!). Feliz Navidad started the audience participation that returned throughout the evening. An impressive harmonica performance by Professor Dan The Harmonica Man (possibly the most in-demand accompanist of the night) lurched between Christmas tunes and heavy metal. 

Jane Archer of “Jane Archer and the Reactionaries” (also of apparently 3 million streams on Spotify south of the border) brought impressive vocals, and Justin Cooper dashed over from another gig in town to lead more audience participation in a heartfelt rendition of Stand by Me. Rayzor’s Edge, who had headlined Friday night at the Campbellford Fair this summer, returned for a number, and an impressive girl band called Take the Fifth brought a bit of the sacred to the stage with a harmonized Good King Wenceslas. 

Then we were back dancing in our seats for Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree with a bit of Professor Harmonica thrown in, followed by Steve Runions singing a song written just for Campbellford with references to local fixtures like Sharpe’s food market and Dooher’s bakery. Near the end, it was time to bring serenity back with a melodic version of Bryan  Adams’ Christmas Time and then a finale of John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (War is Over). As the crowd streamed out onto the street, all you could overhear was compliments about how much local talent we have, and how next year it would be a good idea to buy tickets even earlier. Actually that last comment was only overheard from Aron General Manager Russ Christianson, who lamented that a handful of people had to be turned away. But he also cheered at hearing such great feedback about a sold-out show!

Happy holidays everyone! Don’t forget to buy your tickets early for next year’s show!