Life

The Cave Singers and Poor Moon - two esteemed Pacific Northwest bands with ties to another pair of equally well-regarded acts - descend on Victoria this weekend for what should be the last truly great indie rock showcase of 2012.

? Welcome to the Calendar listings. Theatre, dance, live music, nightspots and other performances appear in day-by-day listings, with family activities and ongoing exhibitions under "Attractions.

Doctors are warning that the bugs on our hands easily find their way into our systems

CHRISTMAS EVENTS There may have been a time when Santa worked only one day of the year. Not anymore. These days, he's hosting pancake breakfasts and brunches when he isn't listening to children sitting on his lap.

New York indie-rock trio Fun. and L.A.'s breakout R&B/hip-hop star Frank Ocean scored big in Grammy Award nominations Wednesday, earning six nods apiece predominantly in the most prestigious Grammy categories.

EXCURSIONS CRD Parks continues to provide an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season this weekend: ? Why do we sing about holly and ivy? What tales were told in the days of old? Find out at the Solstice Stroll, a guided walk suitab

IN CONCERT Winter Harp When: Friday, 7: 30 p.m. Where: Alix Goolden Hall Tickets: $30 at Munro's Books, Stampers! on Quadra, The Sheiling and Heritage Cat Clinic Additional performances in Courtenay (tonight), Nanaimo (Saturday) and Duncan (Sunday).

IN CONCERT Victoria Symphony Pops, A Sentimental Christmas When: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2p.m. Where: Royal Theatre Tickets: $18 to $75 +s/c at rmts.bc.

Following in Emily's Footsteps Art Show to Jan. 14 at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, 1767 Island Hwy. 250-391-5522. Art For The Spirit exhibit and sale at The Well, 821 Fort St., to Jan. 5.

Oak Bay Village will be alive with culture tonight for the ninth annual Art on the Avenue Gallery Walk and Ottavio Tasting Evening. Shops and galleries throughout Oak Bay Village will open their doors between 6 and 8 p.m.