In what has become a modern holiday tradition, Ottawa-area musicians will gather to raise money for a good cause with the 21st annual Christmas GOOSE Concert.
The event will feature a collaborative “song circle” format. Singer-songwriters will take the stage in two groups of four, with both groups supported by a three-piece backing band, resulting in seven musicians on stage at the same time collaborating and riffing off each other. There will be an intermission between the two sets of music. This year’s set of musicians include veterans of the event such as Pat Moore, Chris MacLean and John Hanson, with the back-up band (including a mandolin and fiddle) made up of Pat McLaughlin, Dana Arrowsmith and Ann Downey.
Proceeds from the concert will be going towards the Ottawa Food Bank, with donations of non-perishable food items also encouraged. The Christmas GOOSE show celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, and has also released compilation CDs of featured artists. Songs will include both original compositions and holiday favourites, with audience carolling having been a popular feature of past shows. Past instalments have also used creative poster printing and local media appearances to help raise awareness of the event and cause.
The 2023 Christmas GOOSE concert will take place at its traditional home of the NAC Arts Centre 4th Stage on the evening of December 5.
