Rachel MacLean returns as host performer for the 14th Christmas With Friends.

I can’t believe this is our 14th Christmas With Friends! I’ve been so fortunate to share the stage at University Hall with some of the best talent from the Maritimes and beyond. I’m proud to call the Annapolis Valley my home. I’m prouder still of our incredible audiences and supporters, year after year, who bring such great energy and generous spirit to each show. All of our past guests walk away loving you all as much as I do. Thank you for being part of this special event and for helping us ring in the Christmas season, tonight!

SPECIAL GUEST:
CHARLIE A’COURT

Planted at the crossroads of roots and soul, Charlie A’Court possesses a mighty voice, fierce guitar work and contemporary songwriting that is loved by fans across Canada and beyond. Charlie has always been recognized for exploring his musical horizons. As a six-time ECMA winner and eight-time Nova Scotia Music Award winner, Charlie has earned awards for Blues, Pop, and R&B/Soul Recordings of the Year, and on multiple occasions been recognized as Entertainer of the Year. A’Court has also received multiple Maple Blues Award nominations including Male Vocalist and Songwriter of the Year. A’Court has performed at national and international festivals like Stan Rogers Folk Festival (CAN), Mariposa Folk Festival (CAN), Harvest Music Festival (CAN), Woodford Folk Festival (AUS), Kerrville Folk Festival (USA) and has shared the stage with James Cotton, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, George Thorogood, Harry Manx, Martin Sexton, Delbert McClinton, UB40, Canned Heat, Colin James, Dan Aykroyd and Jimmie Vaughan, among countless others.

SPECIAL GUESTS:
CASSIE & MAGGIE

With over 17 combined Canadian Folk Music, East Coast Music, and Music Nova Scotia awards and nominations, the JUNO-Nominated powerhouse duo, Cassie and Maggie, emerge as an unstoppable force on the global folk stage. Unleashing a magnetic energy, they seamlessly weave their deep Celtic heritage with contemporary influences. Committed to not just preserving but also propelling Nova Scotia's folk traditions into new realms, Cassie and Maggie bring an exhilarating energy that is both timeless and irresistibly modern. Their eagerly anticipated 5th studio album, "Gold and Coal," poised to solidify their status as folk music trailblazers. "Be it their foot percussion accompanying driving Nova Scotian sets, their perfect blend of sibling harmonies, added to a stunning interplay on various instruments, a musical evening spent with Cassie and Maggie is a great night, altogether" -Irish Music Magazine. Their latest album, The Willow Collection "has sold over 9000 copies worldwide and showcases not only their musical ability, but the depth and variety of their musicianship."  IMM Cassie and Maggie are an unbelievably gifted duo... the train is just gathering steam and leaving the station on these new stars. It is going to be a glorious journey, and it is already well-begun." –Live Ireland Radio- Dublin, IR

Several Valley businesses are helping to make the season a bit brighter by purchasing tickets to Christmas With Friends and sharing with organizations in the area. Special thanks to the following:

Donna Conrad Re/Max Advantage – Special Olympics

Middleton Funeral Home - Family Matters, Annapolis County Family Resource Center

Joe’s Food Emporium – Kings County Family Resource Centre

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Our Christmas With Friends corporate partners make the show possible every year. We encourage you to support these generous businesses during the festive season and all throughout the year.