Brockville’s beloved New Year’s Eve church concerts return for 32nd year with 14 musical acts

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The 32nd annual Brockville New Year’s Eve Church Concerts is back next month, and is once again promising an unforgettable musical experience dispersed throughout four historical churches in downtown Brockville.

Brockvilleist spoke with Denise Bowes, an NYE committee member who is also responsible for attracting and booking talent for the evening, and confirmed that this year’s concerts will feature 14 musical acts. 

“In about 2010 I began to play fiddle in a local group of amateur musicians who played Celtic and old time music, and who played regularly in the Brockville New Year’s Eve Concerts for several years. I loved performing because it was such a great experience to see people come out for an evening and have a good time together as a community. In the Fall of 2015, I joined the committee as I wanted to ensure that the concerts continue.”

Bowes takes pride in the fact that this beloved yearly event has also provided an opportunity to collect freewill offerings. “Concert-goers that can contribute a freewill offering will know that those funds support local charities, including the Brockville Music Festival, and support community efforts to provide meals. I am proud to be part of an event that over the decades has raised over $160,000 for the church charities.”

The NYE committee that organizes the concerts is primarily composed of the same musicians who perform in the show.  While the City of Brockville is not directly involved, Bowes told Brockvielleist that they have been extremely supportive of the event. “The Mayor and a number of the councillors introduce the evenings in the churches.  In fact, the Mayor was also a sponsor this year. Katherine Hobbs is a City Councillor and also works to inform the public and council about the event.”

For a small city, Brockville has become quite well-known for its wide range of musical talent and its general dedication to the arts. Bowes shared, “We are so fortunate to have so many performers willing to participate. And that talent is why I believe the NYE Concert Event has been successful for so long. It is a chance for people to enjoy live music by local entertainers for free – so it is accessible to all.”  

You can ring in the New Year with a night of music as you stroll with family and friends between each scenic church to catch the concerts of your choice. Event organizers say there is approximately a 5 to 10 minute walk between each church. 

A full schedule of musical performances is outlined below:

WALL ST. UNITED CHURCH: 

7 p.m. Brockville Concert Band

9 p.m. Matthew O’Halloran and Evan Veenstra

10 p.m. Samia Odeh – Songs of Peace and Hope11:15 p.m. Nicole Geneau and friends  

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

8 p.m.  River House

9 p.m.  First Presbyterian Bell Choir 

10 p.m.  Dallis Campbell, Andrew Morley and Cameron Wales 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

8 p.m. U Other 2 

9 p.m. Festive Flutes and St. Lawrence Recorder Quartet 

10 p.m. Natalie Edwards and Friends

 ST JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH (Arts Hub)

7 p.m.  CR5 Bluegrass

8  p.m. CR5 Bluegrass

LAWRENCE ANGLICAN CHURCH

6 p.m. – Rising Stars 

7 p.m. James King  

8 p.m. Classical Classics