Ho’ Ho’ Holiday Harmonies

In an attempt to tide you over to the new year, we’ve compiled a list of musical events you should be sure to check out if you’re kickin’ around Montreal for the holidays. While the full list is long, and the selection process difficult, we’re confident that we’ve selected something for everyone.
If you long for the days when doo-wop, funk and soul ruled the airwaves, then you’re in luck this month. The Rialto (5723 Parc Ave.) is hosting Motown Christmas on Dec. 14 and features the American-born and Canadian-rasied ‘70s soul singer Alma Faye Brooks and La Gioventu Band. Famous for her funky, horn-heavy 1977 hit “Stop, I Don’t Need No Sypmathy,” Brooks and La Gioventu Band guarantee to take audience members on a boogey-woogey sleigh-ride back in time. At $40 a pop, tickets are a little expensive by students’ standards, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re looking for something a little different this holiday season.
Though this isn’t really a music event in that it’s not a band performing a concert, it’s still something that I think every musicphile and radiophile should see in their lifetime. Stuart McLean, the host of CBC’s hit radio show The Vinyl Cafe, is presenting The Vinyl Cafe Christmas at Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place Des Arts (175 Sainte-Catherine St. W.) on Dec. 19. McLean’s show tells the story of Dave, a secondhand record store owner, and his family and friends and features live and recorded musical performances by both unknown and well-known Canadian musicians. Tickets range from $51-$56, but it’s the type of show you’ll be able to convince your older family members to pay for. After all, it is the season of giving, right?
If free is more your price range, then some of the most festive events in Montreal this month are right up your alley. The Choralies of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel (400 Saint Paul St. E.) presents hymns, carols and historic vignettes by six different choirs to get you into the holiday spirit. Every Saturday and Sunday this month until Dec. 18 you can catch a different choir free of charge. Performances take place at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
If you’re looking for a festive way to ring in the New Year, head on down to Place Jacques-Cartier at the Quays of the Old Port for their New Year’s Eve Grand Bal. Alain François brings traditional folk tunes to the Creemore Stage before and after the The Old Port’s musical fireworks at midnight, and Montreal quartet Raffy.
Other notable musical events worth checking out include Malajube and The Besnard Lakes at Metropolis (59 Ste-Catherine St. E.) on Dec. 14, Cancer Bats present Bat Sabbath at Foufounes Electriques (87 Ste-Catherine St. E.) on Dec. 16, Rusty Waters and the Broken Troubadours at Piranha Bar (680 Ste-Catherine St. W.) also on Dec. 16, and St. Vincent at Theatre Corona (2490 Notre-Dame St. W.) and Karkwa at Metropolis (59 Ste-Catherine St. E.) on Dec. 17.

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