Christmas rock band Twelve Twenty-Four will be returning to Norwich at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 18 at the Chenango Arts Council Martin W. Kappel theater. Tickets are on sale now for $20 per person at NorwichBID.com, at Minty's Candies and Treats, Season's General Store, and at the door the night of the concert. (Photo from 1224band.com)

NORWICH — The Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and Chenango Arts Council have partnered to bring holiday rock band Twelve Twenty-Four back to Norwich for a concert at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 18 in the Martin W. Kappel Theater.

BID Administrator Tracey Chawgo said although Twelve Twenty-Four has performed in Norwich in the past, it's been around ten years since they've put on a show in the city. He said guests will get to enjoy a unique show packed with Christmas rock music and enchanting lights.

"It’s a great show. They’re very musically talented. They have violins and guitars, and it’s kind of like that Christmas rock. We always relate them to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra type of genre. So it should be a good show," he said. "They have a lot of lighting, and I remember going I think the last time they were here, with the lights and whatnot they made it feel like it was snowing in the auditorium. So it’s very cool."

The show is a family-friendly holiday event, and tickets are on sale now for $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at NorwichBID.com, at Minty's Candies and Treats, Season's General Store, or at the door the night of the event. However, Chawgo recommends purchasing tickets ahead of time as they're going fast.

"I'm not sure how many are going to be left at the door. We've sold quite a few online and in person," he said. "If you want to go for sure, I’d recommend you get your tickets now as opposed to wait, because it seats just under 500 people in there."

Plus, Minty's Candies and Treats is offering the chance to win two tickets to the show. To enter to win, visit the Norwich Business Improvement District Facebook page, where Chawgo said a photo of a jar of chocolate Santa candies is posted.

Whoever guesses the closest to the amount of Santas in the jar, as well as shares the post and tags a friend in the comments, will win two tickets to see Twelve Twenty-Four and a treat from Minty's. The winner will be announced on December 15.

In addition to enjoying the musical stylings of Twelve Twenty-Four, attendees will also get to hear a performance by local musician Grady Thompson, who will be opening the show and playing during the intermission. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided during intermission as well.

The Twelve Twenty-Four concert is another addition to the array of holiday events put on by the BID. Chawgo said their aim is to continue to support downtown Norwich businesses, while also getting people out in the community and drawing in people from outside the area.

"We’re trying to create some events between the parade and different things. We’re trying to create some activities downtown that are family friendly, that give people a reason to come to town, and if you live here, stay in town and be entertained for the holidays," said Chawgo. "We’re trying to create some talk and activities and some excitement for the Norwich area."

"The BID’s working very hard to be able to support these businesses as well as working with different groups like the Y and the local foundations to try and make all this stuff happen," he added. "We want people to see what Norwich has to offer, and shop here, and visit here, maybe even move here."

He encourages area residents to get out in the community this holiday season to enjoy the upcoming festive events.

"Everybody have a safe holiday, and we look forward to seeing them at the events and we appreciate them coming and supporting the events and shopping local," said Chawgo. "Hopefully we can keep activities going on throughout the summer and just keep Norwich alive and thriving."

More information on the Twelve Twenty-Four concert and the Norwich BID can be found at NorwichBID.com and the Norwich Business Improvement District Facebook page. More information on Twelve Twenty-Four can be found at 1224band.com or on the Twelve Twenty-Four Facebook page.