This page was exported from Bancroft this Week [ https://www.bancroftthisweek.com ] Export date:Wed Nov 26 23:31:04 2025 / +0000 GMT ___________________________________________________ Title: The Fitzgeralds bringing Christmas Tour home to Bancroft --------------------------------------------------- By Nate Smelle With the holiday season fast approaching, award-winning Canadian music group The Fitzgeralds are once again hitting the road—this time with a festive twist. The family ensemble, known for their electric fusion of fiddle music and Ottawa Valley step dancing, has announced a series of Christmas Tour dates across Ontario, including two long-anticipated hometown shows in Bancroft on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 at the Village Playhouse. They will also take the stage at Actinolite on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., offering local fans multiple chances to catch their dynamic holiday production. The Fitzgeralds—siblings Tom, Kerry, and Julie, joined by guitarist Alanna Jenish—have built an international reputation for their unmatched musicianship and high-octane performances. Hailing from just outside the Ottawa Valley, the trio has spent years blending their small-town upbringing with world-class artistry, earning titles including three-time Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle Champions and Ontario Open Step Dance Champions. Their shows are recognized for their tight sibling harmonies, rapid-fire choreography, quick wit, and a heartfelt on-stage chemistry that resonates with audiences of all ages. This year's Christmas Tour promises to deliver the same trademark energy, with new material crafted especially for the holiday season. Speaking about the upcoming performances, Julie Fitzgerald shared that the setlist will combine beloved classics—“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Frosty the Snowman”, “Joy to the World”, “Sugar Plum Fairy”, and “Jingle Bells”—with wintry favourites such as “River”, “Song for a Winter's Night”, and “Little Toy Trains”. “We will also include some original fiddle tunes which have been inspired by our memories growing up in Bancroft and the beautiful winters we got to experience,” Julie said. “We are bringing in some new material to help feature all the band members, as each musician is a standout in their own right.” Joining the core trio on tour are several acclaimed Canadian musicians, including fiddle player Alanna Jenish, recently named Canadian Bluegrass Fiddle Player of the Year; guitarist and five-time Canadian Step Dance Champion Kyle Waymouth; and Juno-nominated percussionist Tony Nesbitt-Larking. With each performer adept on multiple instruments, audience members can expect a lively rotation of roles on stage. When asked whether step dancing—one of The Fitzgeralds' signature elements—would be part of the show, Julie didn't hesitate: “Of course! Five of the six musicians in the band are also renowned Ottawa Valley step dancers. We've got some fun new dance numbers for you as well!” The tour will travel beyond the Bancroft area, with stops in Lindsay (Academy Theatre), London (Aeolian Hall), Walkerton (Vic Jubilee Hall), Toronto (Noonan's Pub), and Meaford (Meaford Hall). Full tour details can be found on their website at thefitzgeraldsmusic.com. Fans attending the concerts will also have the chance to take home a piece of the experience. “We will have merchandise available at the theatres,” Julie confirmed. “The Fitzgeralds currently have four albums, including the Ontario Folk Music Award-nominated A Canadian Christmas and our most recent release From the Stage. There will also be live DVD specials and solo albums. And our Fitz ‘Mini-Sticks' were such a hit that they will be back again this year in limited supply!” For Julie, returning to Bancroft for the Christmas Tour holds a special meaning. “The show is great for all ages, with fun dance numbers, uplifting fiddle tunes, and holiday classic songs. And of course… Kerry's witty banter!” she said. “We have lots of amazing memories growing up in Bancroft—playing hockey in Birds Creek and Maynooth, going to Midnight Mass, music concerts, skating, skiing, or simply [taking] a walk in the fresh snowfall. We picked songs that were musical sound tracks to our time growing up as kids in the Bancroft area. These songs brought us joy in the Christmas season and we hope that our show will share this good cheer. We encourage folks to bring their family and friends out to take part in the experience!” Tickets for the Bancroft and Actinolite shows are available through tweedandcompany.com, while tickets for all other venues can be found on thefitzgeraldsmusic.com. --------------------------------------------------- Images: --------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Post date: 2025-11-25 15:44:18 Post date GMT: 2025-11-25 20:44:18 Post modified date: 2025-11-25 15:44:21 Post modified date GMT: 2025-11-25 20:44:21 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Export of Post and Page as text file has been powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin from www.gconverters.com