For the rest of the world, St. Patrick's Day arrives March 17.
In Nanaimo -- at least for the last 19 years -- St. Patrick's day arrives just before Christmas.
Just as the first St. Patrick rid the Emerald Isle of snakes, Nanaimo's St. Patrick wants to rid this community of hunger, at least at this time of year.
Wednesday marks the 20th year that musician Michael Patrick has been organizing the Salvation Army benefit bash at the Queen's. Even he can't believe it has lasted two decades and that year after year local musicians would donate their time and talents to help the Salvation Army at this time of year.
"I was young when I started this," Patrick said. "This is a milestone -- 20 years."
When asked how old he is now, he repeated his mantra of "I was young when I started this.
"I have to say, I never thought -- 20 years later -- that it would still be going on, or still needed," Patrick said.
"We do this basically to collect food," Patrick said.
He knows what it is like to need food.
"We (musicians) have all been hungry before. I've lived on the street myself," he said.
"You know what they call a musician without a girlfriend? Homeless," Patrick said with a chuckle.
"I'm not too proud to admit that there were times I've eaten at the Sally Anne."
And, especially at this time of year, Patrick and his fellow musicians want to give back.
The Salvation Army couldn't be more pleased and proud of the fact that they are the beneficiaries of the musicians' talents.
"It's an awesome event," said the Army's Dawne Anderson. "It's always incredible to see the dedication and commitment of all the people involved."
And the annual Christmas Benefit show does what Patrick had hoped when he started the event two decades ago.
"In the past, we have received an incredible amount of food and cash as well," said Anderson.
She said she always makes a point to go down to the Queen's to experience a little of the musicians' generousity.
"The music is phenomenal and every hour there is a different band on stage."
The Salvation Army foodraiser gives the Queen's audience a chance to hear up to 12 bands, and some special guests all for the admission fee of a non-perishable food item or some cash, which will be donated to the charity.
"The food and money we raise all goes to the Salvation Army and they give it out in the food hampers they distribute," said Patrick.
There are two things that perpetually motivate him to keep doing the annual Christmas show for the Salvation Army.
The first is to "give back man, they were there when I needed them."
The second is to hear the quality of musicians this area produces.
Patrick said he is especially proud of this year's lineup.
"I really have to say that year after year the talent in this town steps up to the plate and does this. They volunteer their time, equipment and everything to help the hungry here in Nanaimo.
"There's no way I could do this without there support, or the support of the Queen's. They've been there man for 20 years -- can you believe that -- allowing me to put on this show.
"I'm really stoked about this year's show. Can you believe we've got (Malaspina University-College's) Steve Jones -- only the best music teacher in Nanaimo -- bringing three other saxophone players with him for a set."
While he may be appreciative of the musicians, it is really the citizens of Nanaimo that truly impress Patrick.
"I guess the one thing that always surprises me and, at the end of the night, blows me away, is the community support we receive year after year. We've had truckloads of food donated to take to the Salvation Army and when I see that sort of giving, I know everything was worth it."
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At the Queen's
Musicians will take to the Queen's stage at 1 p.m. Wednesday and play until closing during Michael Patrick's 20th annual Christmas benefit show for the Salvation Army.
The lineup includes:
- Bossa Loca
- Lynne Coverdale and Narissa Young
- Michael Patrick and Dave Baird
- Vagabundo
- Del, Nick and Mo
- The Tina Jones Band
- BaBoon
- The Steve Jones' Saxophone Quartet
- Iris
- Johnny Inappropriate
- Michael Patrick and the Unsung Heroes
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And at the Cassidy
Saturday at the Cassidy Hotel musicians with a heart will be raising money for the Salvation Army. Enjoy live music all day from noon until midnight. Admission is an item of dried or canned food or cash for the kettle.
Here is the lineup of scheduled acts who have volunteered their time to help feed the hungry in Nanaimo.
- Sam Hell's Blues Band
- Neil Young Tribute
- MotorCycle Maniacs
- Blarney Stones
- Elvis tribute
- Jazz hour
- B.S. Blues Band
- Aces & Eights
- Guest musicians