Andy Kim's Christmas Special Moves To Citytv, With Live Nation Support

By FYI Staff

Always a highlight of the holiday season in Toronto, The Andy Kim Christmas Special returns this month, but this time as a television special, rather than a live fundraising concert. The Andy Kim Christmas Special (presented by the Air Miles Reward Program) in support of Crew Nation, CAMH Gifts of Light and Food Banks Canada airs Saturday, December 19 at 8 p.m. on Citytv and Citytv.com and streamed globally at LiveNation.com. The two-hour music special will broadcast from Toronto’s famed El Mocambo.

What hasn't changed is the star-studded list of A-level Canadian artists performing on the show. This year's lineup includes Andy Kim, Barenaked Ladies, Broken Social Scene, Buffy Sainte-Marie, City and Colour, Glass Tiger & Roch Voisine, Jully Black, Ron Sexsmith, Sam Roberts, Sarah McLachlan, Serena Ryder, and William Prince. 

Going into its 16th year, the program is the brainchild of music legend, and one of the evening's performers, Andy Kim. He explains that “I was on the verge of having to postpone the 16th year of my Christmas show and was truly bummed out. I kept thinking of all the people who are having a difficult time economically, spiritually and emotionally. I did not want to abandon the purpose of my yearly show - giving to those in need at this time of year. With the support of Live Nation Canada, Rogers and Air Miles, I am excited to bring the Andy Kim Christmas Special from coast to coast for the first time and hopefully raise an incredible amount of money for very worthy causes through the power of music."

Hosted by Sportsnet host and Juno-nominated musician Tara Slone, as well as Cityline host Tracy Moore, this one-of-a-kind charity event will treat Canadians to a classic variety entertainment show that includes performances by some of the country's most sought-after singer/songwriters and performers. 

“Andy Kim’s Christmas is an expression of Love. From the beginning of his career, he spoke to what love and giving mean in our lives. Now we need love and giving more than ever,” said Riley O’Connor, Chairman, Live Nation Canada.

During the duration of the program, viewers will be encouraged to visit Donate.AndyKimMusic.com to support three great causes: Crew Nation, CAMH Gifts of Light and Food Banks Canada.

Air Miles is presenting the program and encouraging viewers to log onto airmiles.ca/AndyKim to use Miles towards rewards that directly benefit Food Banks Canada. "Leveraging our Program to support those who need us most is part of who we are at AIR MILES, and we are thrilled to be presenting the Andy Kim Christmas Special in support of Crew Nation, Food Banks Canada and CAMH,” said Blair Cameron, President, AIR MILES Reward Program. “While the holidays will undoubtedly look very different for many of us this year, we are proud to help create an experience that brings Canadians together through a rewarding holiday experience they can enjoy from the comfort of their homes.”

Live music inspires millions around the world, but the concerts we all enjoy wouldn’t be possible without the countless crew members working behind the scenes. Crew Nation is a charitable fund, created to support independent workers who are the backbone of the live music industry, who have been left without work. So far, the fund has raised $15 million, helping 15,000 live music crew members across 48 countries who were impacted by the rescheduled or cancelled shows scheduled to take place through 2020.

CAMH Gifts of Light is a 100 percent donation-funded program that meets the unique needs of its patients. Items provided by Gifts of Light, like emergency kits and pajamas, make a difference year-round, but particularly during the holidays. By supporting Gifts of Light, you can help more than 14,000 patients each year find the hope, strength and courage they need to get through their hardest days and find a better tomorrow.

Food banks across Canada have been severely impacted by Covid-19. The operational capacity is strained due to the loss of volunteers and changes due to public health requirements while in some areas, they're also facing increased public demand for support. The funds from Andy Kim’s Christmas Show will help Food Banks Canada with the immediate, emergency needs, and to prepare for what’s to come.

WATCH ON: Saturday, December 19 – 8 p.m. (local) Citytv Simultaneous Live-Stream on Citytv.com. Global Live-Stream on LiveNation.com #