The world’s longest-running Keith Richards-themed Christmas party is back. Keithmas XVI: A Food Bank Fundrager is set for Saturday night at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre.

The benefit concert takes its name from the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist and features local bands performing Stones songs and selections from his solo catalogue. It usually takes place on or around Dec. 18.

“Keith’s birthday is Dec. 18, and I think he’ll be 82 this year. So, yes, it is a commingling of Christmas and Keith Richards’ birthday,” said John Hewer, one of the co-founders of Keithmas.

Hewer recalls the event started small, first at the Fairview Pub and then at the Electric Owl — two now-defunct live music venues in Vancouver. He is proud that it’s still going strong at its current home, the Rickshaw Thea

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