JON AND ROY HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St.
When: Friday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $30.75-$45 from the Royal McPherson box office (250-386-6121) or rmts.bc.ca
Why: Jon and Roy are the train that keeps on chugging; almost without exception, everything the duo of Jon Middleton and Roy Vizer touch turns to gold. That includes their Spotify streams in 2023 (28 million and counting) in addition to their annual Holiday Special, which happens each December and hits capacity like clockwork (at press time, a few single seats are available, but this event is arguably sold-out). Though folk-flavoured, the Holiday Special always tinkers with the definition. Nehiyaw singer-songwriter Wyatt C. Louis, Toronto up-and-comer Billianne, Victoria’s The Bankes Brothers are on the bill year, but it will be Jon and Roy, with Dave St. Jean on trombone and Esme John on bass, who will succeed in making the Royal Theatre feel warm amid the winter on Friday.
MESSIAH FROM SCRATCH
Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m.
Tickets: $27.96 from eventbrite.ca ($11.98 for students)
Why: Amateurs and professionals band together for Messiah From Scratch, an afternoon of song at Christ Church Cathedral. Led by the cathedral’s director of music, Donald Hunt, a team of pro singers, and the Emily Carr String Quartet, the weekend wariors who practice in private can finally sing in public, and let their high-notes fly during the much-anticipated Hallelujah chorus. You’ll be in chorus rehearsal at 2 p.m., and by 4 p.m. the stage will be yours. That’s a Christmas gift for for all.
CHEESECAKE BURLESQUE
Where: The Roxy Theatre, 2657 Quadra St.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $35 from cheesecakeburlesque.com; $40 at the door
Why: The members of Cheesecake Burlesque need not an excuse to have fun, but a night of seasonal silliness is a suitable reason to get excited about Let it Show, the troupe’s event at The Roxy on Saturday. There’s a lot on tap, including appearances by Cherry Cheeks, Holly Shirt, Champagne Sparkles, GoGo VanGo, Lil’ Jam Jam, Lolly Lushbottom, and Ginger Kittens. ‘Tis the season for this brand of sassiness.
