John Reischman and the Jaybirds return for the acclaimed band's annual Christmas concert. This year's event will feature new music from the band's upcoming album, plus a recently commissioned Reischman concerto with special guest Patrick M'Gonigle.

From his early days with the Tony Rice Unit in the '80s, John Reischman has collected a Grammy Award and three Juno nominations for his impressive output of recordings, including seven with The Jaybirds, four solo instrumental albums, and numerous other projects and sessions.

This annual Christmas concert is often a sellout, with a portion of the proceeds going to Our Place Society, which supports Victoria's most vulnerable populations.

This year's lineup includes the talented guitarist Patrick Sauber (Doc Watson, Richard Greene, Peter Rowan, Tim O'Brien and John Fogerty); twice-Juno-nominated banjoist Nick Hornbuckle, whose playing has been called "downright spine-tingling" (LA Daily News); fiddle player Patrick M'Gonigle; bassist Trish Gagnon's "lilting, gorgeous voice" (Bluegrass Unlimited); and John Reischman, "one of the world's undisputed masters of the mandolin" (Bluegrass Unlimited).

Holidays got you bent out of shape ? Well c'mon down to the VBA party !

This fundraiser event is our annual end of year holiday event. All proceeds from this evening including your regular jam admission fee will be donated to The Mustard Seed.

We will collect canned or packaged goods, gently used (or new) clothes (particularly warm outerwear), blankets, bedding, towels.

We also accept financial donations. Besides cash, you can write a cheque payable to the Mustard Seed. Any amount over $25 will be provided with a tax receipt from the Mustard Seed.

Doug Van Dine, Master of Musical Merriment, will be running his famous bluegrass-oriented auction. Bring music-related items, or something entertaining, quirky, or bizarre that you think might be an interesting auction item. CDs and magazines will be offered for sale on a separate table.

We'll also have a Band Scramble - where bands are formed via selections from a hat. Bands are then given a few minutes to work up a song and later perform it on stage. You won't want to miss this event.

Please bring your favourite savoury or sweet finger food to share; your instrument if you plan to jam or enter the band scramble, and wads of cash for Doug's fabulous bluegrass oriented auction.

Come for the whole evening and enjoy snacks and festivities with friends new and old.