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It is the time of year when we dust off our favourite Christmas themed songs, the ones we don’t sing the other 11 months of the year, and let them loose in public. Christmas carols have a way of creating impromptu ensembles out of neighbours and choristers out of usually reluctant singers.
If you are anywhere near Guelph, Hamilton, Cambridge, Kitchener, Toronto or Ottawa, here are some ideas of where to go to share in some seasonal and participatory music:
Sing along with Sam & Jane
Friday, December 14. 8-10 pm. *Holiday edition*
Magnolia Café 88 Yarmouth Street, Guelph
Reservations recommended, but not required: 519.766.4663
Cover: $10
The usual singalong, plus a few holiday songs & carols!
Mill Race Folk Society presents Pub Carols with the Orange Peel Carollers.
“These carols are not the standard Christmas stock we hear piped into every mall; they are often more boisterous and secular in nature than the familiar fare. . .
If you would like to hear more, or better yet come out and sing along with the group, they invite you to join them at the Kiwi on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 3 P.m. to 6 P.M. Admission if Free, but donations for the carollers are welcome.”
47 Dickson Street, Cambridge
For Ottawa folks Lee Hayes will be leading the pub caroling at Irene’s (885 Bank Street) for the next three Sundays (Dec 9, 16, 23) 4:30 – 6:00 pm
“Pub Caroling is a northern Yorkshire tradition of singing ancient 3 and 4 part Christmas songs. We’ve created our own tradition of singing rare holiday songs and you’re invited! Free!”
Hamilton Folk Club Christmas Club
Tuesday, December 18 8 – 11 pm
“An open stage night with added Christmas spirit: extra raffle prizes, some performers doing seasonal songs (serious or funny), that sort of thing. Hope to see you there!”
Corktown Uke Jam – Holiday Party Theme Night
Wed December 19
Dominion on Queen
500 Queen Street East, Toronto
8pm Workshop WITH STEVE McNIE
9:30 – 11pm Open stage & group jam
http://torontoUKES.com/console_calendar_rpt.php?mn=00&en=1309#.ULkF–01jpM
Black Walnut Club
“Next month on Friday, December 21 we’ll be back for another Acoustic Open Stage with a Christmas flavour, treats etc.”
216 Mill Street, Kitchener
Friday, December 21, 2012 8-11 pm
Admission: $3
http://blackwalnut.wordpress.com/
Hamilton Folk Club Christmas Club
Tuesday, December 18 8 – 11 pm
“An open stage night with added Christmas spirit: extra raffle prizes, some performers doing seasonal songs (serious or funny), that sort of thing. Hope to see you there!”
If you have a December event where folks are welcome to come sing post it in the comment section below or on the Open Stage Adventure facebook page.
Enjoy the music! Keep each other warm!
I’ll leave you with one of my favourite Christmas songs, by Canadian songwriter Chris Maclean: