Professional musician Nicholas David considers it an honor to share his name with a saint. It’s fitting that he also shares the saint’s giving spirit.
Nicholas David Mrozinski, the St. Paulite who in 2012 finished third on NBC’s “The Voice” competition, will perform an all-ages show with his band Dec. 6 — the feast of St. Nicholas — at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, where attendees are encouraged to bring a new toy or gift card for a child at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. And in the spirit of St. Nick, some surprises are in store for those who attend the concert.
“I’m grateful and excited that we’re able to do it. It’s more than a coincidence that it falls on the date [feast of St. Nicholas],” said Mrozinski, who was even referred to as ‘St. Nick’ by his mentor on “The Voice,” CeeLo Green, and others on the team. “I feel we’re called to share our gifts, and given the gift of music, that allows me to share other gifts. I’ve been trying to use that as a platform to help other people.”
The toy drive is part of his newfound St. Nicholas Day tradition. This year, he partnered with Maternity of Mary-St. Andrew Catholic School in St. Paul and St. Joseph School in Rosemount, where he attended kindergarten through eighth grade.
Thomas Joseph, principal of St. Joseph School, said the toy drive was another opportunity for the students and teachers to serve others, which is core to the school’s mission. But what made it special was the connection to Mrozinski, who attended the school in the late 1980s. Three years ago, after his appearance on “The Voice,” Mrozinski performed for the students and staff at his alma mater, which he said gave him a foundation.
“St. Joe’s was a core group of kids from K-8, so on top of the curriculum, the familial aspect helped,” he said. “It’s easy to get lost in the world. The huge current in the stream is love — how to carry out and be that love in the world is awesome.”
Mrozinski — known as “Nicholas David” on stage — and his band performed Dec. 1 at the hospital’s Wilf Family Center Auditorium — the first public concert since its opening last February.
After the Dec. 6 concert, he plans to deliver the collected toys to the hospital with his wife and three sons.
