This week is all about theatre.
There are two big theatrical productions happening this week.
New West Theatre celebrates their thirtieth anniversary with their new music comedy revue, “Celebrate”. It features cast members from the past three decades performing all your favourite musical numbers and comedy bits.
It runs at the Yates Theatre, Dec. 18-Jan. 4.
And though smaller in scale, but no less important, the Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society is excited about the fourth annual Shakespeare meets Dickens celebration, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at Casa.
It is coming down to the wire for Christmas concerts.
If you missed the multiple performances of TJ Waltho and Friends’ Charlie Brown Christmas, so fare, there are two more chance to catch it. They are at the Mocha Cabana, Dec. 19. The family friendly event features food and TJ Waltho, Brad Brouwer and Paul Holden playing the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas with the show playing behind them. Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for children. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Then they will be at the Owl Acoustic lounge, Dec. 21. Admission is by donation.
If you are out and about downtown in the afternoon on Friday, Dec. 20, Sounds of the Season, featuring local singing instructor Andi Roberts‘ students, will be happening at city hall.
Another fun Christmas event, Tuba Christmas takes place at casa at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21. If you want to play, bring your horn (tuba, baritone, sousaphone and euphonium) and sign up at 10 a.m., rehearse at 11 and take the stage at 1 p.m. Admission is free.
Casa has another fun family friendly event on Dec. 22 with the interactive stage show Snow Sisters Christmas sing-along with everyone’s favourite snow sisters. Children are invited to dress up as their favourite princesses and sing and dance. Admission is $10 and there is a VIP meet and greet for the kids for $20. The show runs from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
The other big Christmas party is the C21 Gold Christmas party and fundraiser for Youth one.
Tickets begin at $110. Dinner is included. It begins at the Coast Hotel at 5:30 p.m. for cocktails. Dinner is at 7:15. There will be door prizes at 8 p.m. and Santa will visit at 8:30 p.m.
Old School will be playing all your favourite ’80s hits after that. All proceeds go to Youth One.
If you want to escape Christmas, you have options as well.
tomorrow, gewt up and show off as Gabe Thaine]s monthly High Level Variety show returns to the Slice, Dec. 17.
The Mark Hall band rock Casino Lethbridge country style on the weekend.
Calgary indie rock band 36? return to the Owl Acoustic Lounge with Laura Hickli, Dec. 20.
The Slice is all about rock and roll this weekend.
Local rock bands Quick Draw and Vessel play the Slice, Dec. 20. And Taylor Ackerman’s Global Acid Reset return to the Slice with a bit of the blues on Dec. 21.
Bridgette Yarwood returns to the old Firehall on Sunday for the Bavura Brunch.
As expected most things are closed for Christmas, so take some time and celebrate with your families.
Then get ready to party again with a couple big local shows.
Tyler Bird’s local alternative rock/alt country band Queen of the Worms usually play right after the holidays.
This time they are releasing a new CD at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Dec. 27. Dark Wrangler will be opening.
Fawns plays the Slice in a big local show, Dec. 27 . The Cayley and Biloxi Parish are also on the bill. So don’t miss three of Lethbridge’s best up and coming new bands.
Local rock band The Bamboo Guppies return to Casino Lethbridge, Dec. 27 and 28.
Get ready to celebrate the dawn of 2020 with a couple of pre-New year‘s Eve parties.
Rancho Deluxe play the Slice, Dec. 28 as well.
Just down the road at McLennans in Coaldale, local rock band Good Time Charlie will be playing for the Kinsman Harley raffle announcement, Dec. 28.
New years is in the middle of the week, so Teri Petz’s monthly poetry open mic at the Owl Acoustic Lounge has been moved to Monday, Dec. 30.
That clears the way for a plethora of New Year’s Eve Parties. There is music for everyone on Tuesday.
Adequate plays their annual New Year’s Eve party at the Owl, Dec. 31. So get ready to get funky. There is no cover for that.
The Slice Goes ’80 with numerous local musicians including Bridgette Yarwood, Candee Burke, James Swinney, Raz Bruce, Mark Hall, Braeden Rouse, Keilan Hakstol, Sarah Wright, Ian Morrice, Tyler Vanden Dool revisiting the ’80s.
Pop’s Pub west has a surprise. Ali Hawkins returns to play New Year’s Eve with 90s rock and pop quartet Uncovered. There is no cover for that show either.
Local blues rock band the Steve Keenan band play the Average Joes, for New Year’s Eve beginning around 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
He will be all warmed up because he will also be playing dinner music at the Coast , one of many pricier shows featuring a banquet. Toth is at the Coast at 6 p.m. during a five course LA Chefs custom menu beginning at 6 p.m.
After that winds up, the Chevelles will rock you into the new year. Tickets are $85.
It seems obvious to bring back swing music for the ’20s, so that is exactly what Swing Bridge Dance club are doing at their home base 418 13th St N. Dance the night away with the Lethbridge Little Big Band. If you don’t know how to swing dance, this is an excellent opportunity to learn how. There will be a dance lesson at 8 p.m.. The live music is at 9 and there will be food and drink and all sorts of fun winding up with a champagne lunch at midnight. Admission is $50 per person or a VIP bundle at $65.
If you’re feeling in the mood for Italian, the Italian Canadian Club features lots of food and music by the Bamboo Guppies. Dinner is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50.
Hippodrome holds court qt Casino Lethbridge for New Year’s Eve. There will be a dinner buffet at 7 p.m. with the band beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are $74.95.
The major hotels have more expensive events.
Go country with Trevor Panczak and Rough Stock at the Signature Sandman downtown.
There will be a prime rib buffet at 7:30 p.m., with the music beginning at 9:30 p.m. A midnight lunch and champagne will follow at midnight. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $99.99.
Didi’s Playhaus features a New Year’s Eve Panti Raid beginning at 10 p.m. if you just want to dance. There is no cover though you have to be a member to attend.
The Enmax Centre announced a huge concert for the new year. ZZ Top and Cheap Trick will be playing on Wednesday, May 6.Tickets go on sale on Friday range between $85 and $105.
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
