Looking East vocalist, and Rock 4 Santa co-founder, Jadie Hunt.

Edmonton rockers Looking East are in the process of writing new material for an album they plan on recording in the new year, a follow-up to their 2008 EP Telling Lies. And as any musician knows, that can be a trying and busy time, no matter your schedule.

But still, vocalist Jadie Hunt, who founded the band in 2007, finds the time to carry on a new tradition, with help of Looking East bassist Steve Mardling.

“Rock 4 Santa is a charity concert of all independent bands giving back to their community during the Christmas season,” Hunt explains.

“Our main charity in Edmonton is the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, along with Santa’s Anonymous, The Edmonton Food Bank, and Adopt-a-Teen.”

She continues, “Many Edmontonians are struggling financially, and it is especially hard during the Christmas season for many families. As musicians, most us having been in financial strain before, so we are excited to be able to do something to help these less fortunate families have a nice Christmas.”

Rock 4 Santa’s first year was so successful, the pair expanded their efforts to include Red Deer, Alta.

“Our main charity there will be the Adopt-a-Family program through the Women’s Outreach Center. Adopt-a-Family resembles the Edmonton Christmas Bureau in providing hampers to less fortunate families in the Red Deer area during Christmas time.”

How did Rock 4 Santa first come into existence?

We always knew we wanted to put on some sort of a fundraiser for charity to give back to the community. It was getting close to Christmas time (last year) so we figured what better organizations than The Christmas bureau of Edmonton, The Edmonton Food Bank, Santa’s Anonymous, and Adopt-a-Teen. We approached our selected charities and they became very excited to have us on board, so we ran with it.

How much planning went into putting on that first Rock 4 Santa show?

We had nine weeks of non stop pandemonium and craziness. It really became very big very quickly, so there was a lot to organize in a short time.

We were very pleased with the welcome response we got from media, venue, bands and general music scene supporters. For our first year in 2008, they came through for us.

What brought about the decision to put on Rock 4 Santa shows in other cities?

We had such an overwhelming response from bands all over Alberta to participate in Rock 4 Santa that we decided instead of just having them in Edmonton, let’s see what we can do for other communities. Of all the places in Alberta, our biggest response, besides Edmonton, was the Red Deer music scene. One band in particular that has been doing a fantastic job in helping steer the entire Red Deer Rock 4 Santa would be the band Awkward Silence.

What did you learn that first time around that prepared you for future events?

We learned to start planning earlier!

What is the most rewarding thing about organizing the Rock 4 Santa shows?

The best reward, and the entire reason for doing this, is the satisfaction in knowing that we, a group of indie rock and metal musicians, made Christmas better for even just a few families.

For people coming out to support Rock 4 Santa this year, what can they expect, and how can they help?

They can expect an entire evening of kick ass entertainment and music, along with some jolly drinking and being merry. Eight bands in one night is a killer party. They can help by coming out to take part in the festivities, and buying raffle tickets and any other product we may be selling to profit our charities. Come Get Rocked!!!