The 2022 St. Edmond High School graduate’s upcoming encore Christmas special — “Home For The Holidays” — has a very familiar ring to it in many ways. The Dec. 16 and 17 performances will happen locally, again be available to the public via a free-will admission, and feature some of the area’s top musical talents — buoyed again by O’Brien himself.

So much has changed since last December, though. Brady O’Brien Live has become a force in the region, raising thousands of dollars for projects and charities across Iowa. And as the demand for O’Brien’s performances has grown — thanks in large part to popular events last winter, spring, summer and fall — his passion for giving back and pursuing philanthropic endeavors through the power of music has only intensified.

“Our mission at Brady O’Brien Live is to raise money for other nonprofits and families in our community through our love of live music,” O’Brien said. “This year, the proceeds (from “Home For The Holidays”) are being donated to the Ronald McDonald House. We will use part of the proceeds to purchase new Christmas trees and local grocery store gift cards for families who are in need this holiday season.

“I chose to host another Christmas show because we had such a great turnout at last year’s event. It was a great night of fun, live music, and helping others in our community. We raised money (in 2021) for S.O.S. — Serving Our Servants — and families in our community. Being able to help others through what I love is what makes me happy, and I am blessed to be able to do that.”

-Photo by Jason Braunschweig
Brady O'Brien, a 2022 St. Edmond graduate, performs during his Christmas special last year at Decker Auditorium.

The 18-year-old O’Brien — a skilled pianist who also plays trombone, bass and keytar — will be flanked by Fort Dodge vocalists Alyssa Allbee and Mikeal Campbell, who also co-starred in the Brady O’Brien Live military fundraiser last July at Terry Moehnke Veterans Memorial Park.

“This year, the production is similar, but very different at the same time (compared to last December),” O’Brien said. “We have some very talented featured musicians in my band behind me. I am excited to share the stage with two powerhouse vocalists in Alyssa and Mikeal.

“This show will be a unique experience for the whole family. We even have a guest from the North Pole stopping by to give away gifts. I love combining the whole production of sound, lights, magic, music, and vocalists, because it creates a one-of-a-kind performance.”

“Home For The Holidays” will be held both nights at the St. Edmond School Auditorium, with a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. House seats open at 6:15 p.m., with the show beginning at 7.

“Due to Decker Auditorium (at Iowa Central Community College) being closed (for the renovation project), we’ll have the show at the school I graduated from, St. Edmond,” O’Brien said. “We decided to do a two-night event because of the great turnout last year at Decker Auditorium. We hope it gives everyone the chance to see it at least once, if not twice. We also have some great silent auction items both nights.”

O’Brien is hoping the shows will again serve as the perfect Christmas precursor for people who have a similar passion for holiday music and helping others.

“I’m excited to share this show with the public, because it makes me so happy to see others enjoying music,” O’Brien said. “I hope that this event will bring the holiday spirit to everyone who attends.”

Donations are being accepted online at support@bradyobrienlive.com. For more information, visit bradyobrienlive.com.