John Reischman and the Jaybirds return for the acclaimed band's annual Christmas concert.

Now in its 16th year, this event has become a cherished tradition for many people and often sells out.

A Bluegrass Christmas presents music done in the spirit of the season drawn from the rich traditions of bluegrass and Appalachian music by Grammy-winning mandolinist and composer John Reischman with his multiple-Juno nominated band The Jaybirds.

The concert is also the Victoria CD release event for the band's eighth album, The Salish Sea.

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.

Ryland Moranz is an internationally touring singer-songwriter whose 2021 album XO, 1945 was nominated for Canadian folk music associations contemporary album of the year. In his spare time Ryland plays with Leeroy Stagger, the Lucky Ones, John Wort Hannam, Allen Dobb and more.

Dan Fremlin is an internationally acclaimed bluegrass mandolin player and songwriter from the Meadows, British Columbia. An integral member of the Blue Wranglers as well as a collaborator with songwriter Allen Dobb and Barney Bentall's Cariboo Express, Dan has the pedigree of one of Canada's finest mandolin players. Any time you hear outstanding mandolin, there's a one in three chance that it's Dan.

Brother-esque harmony, instrumental mastery, comedic genius, and a brand new debut album will command applause from even the most discerning acoustic music fans. And, they both look great in hats! Come say hi, and give them a hug!