For all the other music nerds who share my mourning of the “What’s Up” section in Uptown, I have put together a holiday music guide to highlight some of the most looked-forward-to and promising shows that will take place throughout the month of December.
No, you will not find any orchestra or choir performances on this list, for this is not your grandmother’s holiday music guide. Well, unless your grandmother is super cool and likes indie bands and rock and roll.
So grab a snifter of spiked eggnog, throw on a Bing Crosby record, cuddle up on your bearskin rug in front of your fireplace, and read all about this year’s holiday musical offerings.
The Last Quinzmas
Featuring House of Doc
Burton Cummings Theatre
Friday, Dec. 21 – 8 p.m.
Over the past nine years Quinzy’s Christmas show has become a beloved annual Winnipeg tradition for many, and it definitely shows through the concert’s progression.
This indie pop quartet manages to create the most unique and weird Christmas show each year with stage antics that include horn sections, robots, operatic Santas, and baby hippopotamuses just to name a few.
Holiday Mixer
Hosted by DJ Co-op and DJ Hunnicutt
The Pyramid Cabaret
Saturday, Dec. 22 – 10 p.m.
Everyone’s favourite vinyl spinning duo has been hosting this city’s most sought after holiday dance parties for over 5 years. If history indeed repeats itself, this party promises rap, funk, mod, dance, and everything in-between paired with tasty drinks and sloppy dancing. Get low, get slow, and get crunk.
JP Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday show
With special guests
The Park Theatre
Dec. 13 to 15 – 8 p.m.
Another Winnipeg holiday tradition, singer/songwriter JP Hoe has extended his annual Christmas music extravaganza to three exciting sleigh-bell-filled nights. The lineup promises special guests, but you’ll have to attend to find out who will show up!
Transistor 66 Christmas Party
Featuring Ultra Mega, Brilliant Bastards, the Thrashers, Microdot
The Park Theatre
Dec. 19 – 8 p.m.
Everyone’s favourite Winnipeg-based rock and roll record label will be celebrating the frigid holiday season with hot guitars and face melting rock and roll. If your drunk uncle was to pick a Christmas show to attend, this would be the one.
The Be:Cause Holiday Harvest
Featuring Dangercat, the Vibrating Beds, the Mystics
The Windsor Hotel
Dec. 14 – 10 p.m.
Be:Cause Industries is a huge supporter of many local charities and non-profit groups such as Kids Help Phone, Skate4Cancer, and many more. Come show your support for Winnipeg Harvest by attending this food drive and checking out some great local bands. Cover is $10 at the door or $8 if you bring a non-perishable can o’ grub for Winnipeg Harvest.
GiveYourGifts concert to benefit United Way presented by MTS
James Struthers, Dane Bjornson, the Treble, and Take Me To The Pilot
The Garrick Centre
Dec. 13 – 7 p.m.
Winnipeg-born singer/songwriter James Struthers will be hosting this lineup of local up-and-comers as a fundraiser for the United Way of Winnipeg. United Way provides funding to a countless number of charities and non-profit agencies that help effect change in our city.
