Full confession: I am crazy about the holiday season—especially the music. My collection at home includes classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio and A Swinging Christmas by Ella Fitzgerald. And every year, I make sure to attend at least one live holiday concert.
This year, there are just so many choices, from big-name concerts in large halls to more intimate fare. Below are a few worth checking out.
Kellylee Evans: Winter Song
You can tell Kellylee is a big fan of Christmas. Every time I’ve attended one of her holiday concerts, she has channelled her love for the season into beautiful, stirring music. This time, along with the classics, she’s performing some original tunes, including a brand-new song. A longstanding favourite of jazz aficionados, Kellylee’s accolades include second place in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition and a Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Kellylee will be accompanied by a top-notch jazz quartet, including gifted Ottawa-based pianist Steve Boudreau.
Kellylee Evans performs Saturday, Dec. 23 at 7:30pm at the NAC Babs Asper Theatre. Tickets start at $34.
Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas with the John Dapaah Trio
Crossing the boundaries of classical music and jazz, pianist John Kofi Dapaah has performed for audiences across the country and around the world. In 2019, he released his second album, Have Yourself A Jazzy Little Christmas, with his trio and vocalists Roxanne Goodman and Michael Curtis. While he knows the album’s songs inside out, Dapaah has the improvisational chops to make each performance its own.
The John Dapaah Trio and vocalists perform Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7:30pm at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Tickets start at $22. They also play on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 4pm at La Fab sur Mill. Tickets are $30.
Laila Biali: Winter Songs and Holiday Classics
Laila Biali is a warm, gracious, beautiful performer. One reviewer noted how Laila makes it a point to communicate with her audience, describing her music as a “wonderful marriage between her pure-toned pipes and piano work.” Laila will be joined by an exceptional band, including George Koller on bass, Ben Wittman on drums, Grammy-nominee Jane Bunnett on saxophone and flute, plus a special appearance by Toronto’s Venuti String Quartet. A great night, indeed.
Laila Biali performs Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 8pm in the NAC Azrieli Studio. Tickets are $45.
Choir! Choir! Choir! “Un-Silent Night” An EPIC Holiday Sing-Along!
I am so curious about Choir! Choir! Choir! Launched by Toronto’s Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman in 2011 as a weekly drop-in singing event, it has since grown into a North American phenomenon. They’ve brought people together to sing popular songs in places like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Centre, and on Parliament Hill, joined by luminary guest singers such as David Byrne, Patti Smith and Kermit. Apparently, all you have to do is show up and they’ll teach you your parts. I’ll be the one with the frog in my throat.
Choir! Choir! Choir! takes place Sunday, Dec. 10 at 8pm at NAC’s Southam Hall. Tickets start at $15.
Jim Bryson Holiday Show in the Hills
Tickets are selling fast for singer-songwriter Jim Bryson’s annual holiday performance. Returning for the third time to the intimate La Fab sur Mill in Old Chelsea, Bryson brings some of his most beloved bandmates to the stage, dubbing them his “Winter Folk Band.” Organizers are promising surprises.
Jim Bryson performs Saturday, Dec. 16 at 8pm at La Fab sur Mill. Tickets are $33.
Other music events worth checking out this holiday season include the Nepean Choir’s annual Christmas concert, Candlelight Jazz: A Charlie Brown Christmas at The Gladstone, and the funny and informative documentary Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas on CBC Gem.
