December is a time for making lists: year-end best-ofs, wished-for CD box sets … and must-see gigs. With some the city’s most popular (read: road weary) musicians home for the holidays, there is a bounty of special shows throughout this month, particularly of the for-charity, gang’s-all-here variety. So get outside, drag some friends along and balance out your shopping sprees with some sing-alongs at the following recommended events:
Jason Collett’s Basement Revue, Tuesdays at the Dakota Tavern.
Collett’s back for a third year of his December variety series, which offers a top-secret line-up of musicians, poets and and other surprises (often involving his famous pals in BSS.) Always a spirited, intimate good time. Also always sold out in advance. Good luck scoping out a date with a spare ticket.
Haydain Neale Tribute Concert, Monday, Dec 7, Phoenix Concert Theatre
Nelly Furdato, k-os, Divine Brown, Justin Nozuka and others join to celebrate the life and music of the lead singer of jacksoul, who died of lung cancer on November 22. Tickets are $20 and benefit his family’s trust fund.
Andy Kim Christmas Show, Wednesday, Dec 9, Mod Club
“Rock Me Gently” “Sugar Sugar” Ring any bells? That’s famed Canadian songwriter Andy Kim’s handiwork. The Billboard chart-topper hosts his annual holiday shin-dig (now in its fifth year) featuring special guests Divine Brown, Broken Social Scene and The Beauties. Tickets are $25 and proceeds benefit the Regent Park School of Music.
Mouthparts and Wings, Friday Dec 18 and Saturday Dec 19, Rivoli Club
Mia Sheard hosts this two-night stand featuring Justin Rutledge, Luke Doucet, Kurt Swinghammer and many more stars of the independent music community. The $18 ticket price helps the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Your donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank is encouraged too. Line-up and ticket details here.
