It is another excellent week for local shows leading into Christmas.
Toques and Beards are back to play a show with the Juxtaposers (Taylor Ackerman, Tyler Bird and Don Cassels) at the Slice on Dec. 19. That is competing with Golden based rock band Willhorse who return to the Owl Acoustic Lounge Dec. 19 with Vancouver Island based songwriter Rolla Olak.
Also in the rock and roll vein, local band the Mormon Girls officially release their debut cassette — yes you read that right — cassette tape — with betterhalf at a pre-cassette release party at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Dec. 20.
If you really want to bang your head, Edmonton sludge rock trio Black Mastiff are back in town to rock the Slice, Dec. 21 with the Void, Mormon Girls and a great new local band called Advertisement. Tickets are $10. This is the official cassette release party for the Mormon Girls.
If you like something a little more jazzy, more mellow and a lot of fun, check out Edmonton’s the Rooster Davis Group at the Slice, Dec. 19. They feature David Aide tickling the ivories Dr. John style, special guest Ann Vriend and trombonist Brad Sigeta, who used to play with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. It will be lots of fun if you like jazz music and lot of upbeat keyboards.
The other excellent jazz gig this week is the always awesome Herb Hicks Jazz Quartet, who play the Mocha Cabana, Dec. 20 and Dec. 21. And Cal Toth is playing the Mix Lounge at Ric’s Grill, Dec. 21 as well. And the Cotton Blossom Lounge in the Lethbridge Lodge is also bringing in jazz music on Thursdays now James Oldebnburg plays from 5-11 p.m., Dec. 19.
There are also couple excellent roots and country shows this week with Shaela Miler and Treeline playing the Slice, Dec. 20 with Red Deer country band Old Boots and the Hoots. There is a $10 cover for the show. The Matt Robinson band with Rusty Klok playing the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Dec. 21. More mainstream country fans will want to check out the Dean Ray Band at Casino Lethbridge, Dec. 20-21 as well.
For something more cultured, the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra winds up a three day run of Les Miserables at Southminster United Church, Dec. 17 and 18.
