HELL BENT ROCKERS
( cont'd from cover ... )
Sunday Dec. 7th 3:00-7:00pm
Stonewalls
The Hell Bent Rockers have 2 great shows coming up in December. And the first one is reason enough to put them on the cover this year. Later in the month, you have another chance to see the same band at
CLIFFORD’S ROCKABILLY CHRISTMAS
With Nicholas Campbell, HellBent Rockers and Ginger St. James
Friday, Dec 19th, 8pm
Clifford Brewing
This second Christmas show features Nicholas Campbell and Ginger St. James. as well as the Hell Bent Rockers. The show takes place at what has become one of the best venues for live music In the city, Clifford Brewing. I can't decide, so I'll probably go to both shows. Toys to one, Food to two. Merry Christmas!
THE BARRA MACNEILS – AN EAST COAST CHRISTMAS
Tuesday Dec. 2nd
Ancaster Memorial Arts
-- and --
Wednesday Dec. 3rd
Burlington Performing Arts Centre
You have TWO chances to catch this popular East Coast band in Ancaster and Burlington. When I was in The Dossers with Jim and Rachel, a few decades back, we had the privilege to open for them at the old Texas Border (now Club 77). They were great back then, and the years have made them better. Christmas is a musical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favourites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnight masses and the general festive frolic that accompanies each holiday season. The five MacNeil siblings – Lucy, Boyd, Stewart, Kyle and Sheumas – combine on a vast array of instruments including accordion, guitar, piano, fiddle, bodhran, mandolin, banjo, Celtic harp, tin whistles, bouzouki, flute … all underpinned by the nimble-fingered Jamie Gatti on bass. The result is a sound that is unmistakably The Barra MacNeils, one moment a rousing chorus, then a hauntingly beautiful Gaelic ballad, the next a flurry of foot-stomping instrumentals, which of course pulls one then another into a step-dancing revelry. For a delightful seasonal celebration, don’t miss An East Coast Christmas with The Barra MacNeils!
JAZZ BRUNCH
Sundays
Ottawa Street Local
With Henry Strong Duo
Every Sunday at the Ottawa street local. You can now catch Henry Strong with a different guest each week and enjoy a classic jazz brunch. I have known Henry for years. I first saw him play with Gary Santucci at the old Patio (One Duke), and Sundried Tomatoes for years and even hired him to play my late parents 50th wedding anniversary. Henry has been a mainstay in the jazz scene for decades and continues to pluck the big bass. The Ottawa street local has a very reasonably priced special brunch menu that includes great items like huevos rancheros. The jazz brunch runs from 11:30-2:00pm and is delicious. We saw many families enjoying the food and music, just as my parents did with me and my siblings Don and Cathy many years ago. (The photo is Henry with Josh Smiley)
SURF ROCK A BILLY N' ROLL SHOWCASE #26
Friday Dec. 5th @ 9pm
Doors Pub, Hess Village
It's that time of the month again … no not that one. The first Friday of December means Danger!!Death Ray once again headline a great night of surf rock-a-billy at Door's pub. This is showcase #26, and it is a good chance to see some great performers including: George Westerholm & The Wild Wildcats (Toronto), The Trebletones, Danger!! Death Ray and the moments before and in between will be filled by the fantastic spinning of DJ Spiritwalker.
BIF NAKED
Film & Performance
Friday Dec. 5th @ 8pm
Westdale Theatre
Years ago, when I was working at VIEW Magazine, I was lucky enough to see Bif Naked perform a couple of times and both times she didn't disappoint, with great sound, great energy and a great band.
Her background is quite interesting as detailed in the new documentary: Bif Naked: The Documentary, which won the Audience Choice award at The Calgary Film Festival. The night includes an exclusive screening of the award-winning documentary, followed by a rare and intimate live acoustic performance. Stick around for a Q&A session where you can ask Bif your burning questions.
This will be a good one.
FORGOTTEN REBELS
Saturday Dec. 6th
Corktown Loft
With Special Guest "Peer Review!"
What needs to be said is virtually nothing. The Forgotten Rebels at the Corktown. Now THAT is a show! If you've never seen them, then here's another chance to see Mickey DeSadist and the gang perform all the classics at the legendary Corktown. I might not be surfin on Heroin, but I sure as hell want to hear it.
REUNION JACK
Thursday Dec. 11th
Scottish Rite and Innsville
As I’ve written before, I often go to the Innsville on Mondays to see the Repeatles. This is your chance to see them, in a larger band and with an expanded playlist. Introducing Reunion Jack. The band is comprised of Michael Wainwright, Rick LaBrie, TJ Rogers and Jeff Shapland .They will be playing not just The Beatles, but also The Stones, The Kinks, Dave Clark 5, The Who, Gerry & the Pacemakers and many other great artists from the 60’s and 70’s. This show is a dinner show, so you’ll be able to have some great food from The Innsville, while listening to some great music. Doors open at 6pm and reservations are highly recommended.
TARTAN TERRORS
A Celtic Christmas
Saturday Dec. 13th
Westdale Theatre
The Tartan Terrors Christmas show is a high-energy celebration blending Celtic and classic Christmas music with Hogmanay tunes. Expect a mix of foot-stomping Celtic rock, humour, and step dance that will leave you laughing and singing along with friends and family. With nearly three decades of experience, the Tartan Terrors have built a reputation for making Celtic music fun and accessible to any audience.
THE BROWN NOTES
The Brown Notes Christmas Show
Sunday Dec. 21st - 3pm to 6:30pm
Cat & Fiddle
The Brown Notes play a Sunday 3pm matinee show where they'll introduce some new songs, play many from their catalogue of originals, as well as play some great covers of Ween, Wilco, Guided By Voices (GBV) and more. You don't want to miss this show.
