Imagine for a moment reliving a simple family Christmas of decades gone by: The family gathers around the radio while snow falls outside. But in this cozy room, candlelight sparkles on the tinsel, glass ornaments shine in the reflected light of the fireplace, and the family sings along to beloved Christmas classics while stockings hang from the mantle awaiting the arrival of jolly Saint Nick.
The world has changed a lot but popular Vancouver Island singer Ken Lavigne hopes to bring the past to life this winter as he tours the Island with his freshly-revamped second annual Ken Lavigne’s Christmas Musical Roadshow.
Ken and his crew will be in Courtenay on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sid Williams Theatre.
“This is year two and we are so excited,” Lavigne said. “It’s a throwback to the golden age of live radio, evoking the sounds of radio drama, with special sound-effects, and presenting a Christmas story, putting our own modern spin on it.
“We will be dressing the stage as an old time radio studio, as best we can. It’s entertainment, sharing stories and the Christmas spirit - which is all about joy.”
Lavigne, who has charmed his way into the hearts of concert-goers across North America with his exciting blend of classical tenor sound and modern style, was a founding member of The Canadian Tenors and co-founder of the successful tenor trio ROMANZA, and has been touring and recording solo since 2008. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, worked extensively with famed producer David Foster and toured across North America.
A lifelong fan of the festive season, the multi-faceted entertainer can be counted on to showcase Christmas favourites, ballads, show tunes and classical crossover hits, as well as telling funny and touching seasonal tales.
“Everybody has their favourite Christmas songs and you can’t do them all. I think I know my audience pretty well now and know what they are going to like,” he says.
“The beloved classics such as White Christmas and Deck the Halls will be well represented - Blue Christmas may make an appearance as well.”
For more information on the show, or to order tickets, visit sidwilliamstheatre.com, or call 250-338-2430.