A quick run through some of the events happening this week in the world of art, music and film.
Monday
St. Thomas University Singers’ Christmas Concert in the Black Box Theatre. The STU Singers, directed by Ross Simonds, with collaborative pianist Dianne Roxborough Brown, will perform a concert, Winter Solstice: Light and Dark. An eclectic mix of choral works from around the world (Japan, Zambia, Germany, England, America, and Canada), it is an expression of life as it is experienced in the winter periods of our lives. Special guests are the St. Thomas Chamber Ensemble. Reservations may be made through members of the STU Singers. Admission is by donation. 6:30 p.m.
Monday Night Film Series presents Colette.Based on the life of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, this film follows the titular Colette (Keira Knightley) through her marriage to Henry Gauthier- Villars (Dominic West), who quickly whisks her away from her quiet and humble life in the countryside to live in the bustling and lively Paris. Henry is a successful Parisian writer who, while relying on an army of ghostwriters to produce his work, uses his time to engage in other self- indulgent activities. He soon enlists his wife as one of his ghostwriters. 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus. $8. $5 for members.
Tuesday
The UNB Chorale & the UNB Concert Band present Christmas Concert at Memorial Hall.The chorale, under the direction of Christine Jones; and the band, under the direction of Hugh Kennedy, will present a program of seasonal and every-seasonal favourites. Tickets are available at the door for $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and students get in for free. 7:30 p.m.
The Celtic Tenors at The Playhouse.The Celtic Tenors are a chart-topping, million-record-selling global phenomenon that has performed in major concert halls around the world, from New York, to Amsterdam, to Shanghai. These three world-class artists promise to deliver a sparkling performance, full of good humour and Irish charm. Featuring everything from classic carols like “O Holy Night,” to beloved Celtic holiday favourites, this beautiful blend of Irish roots, classical training, and polished, magnificent music is the must-see concert of the holiday season. 7:30 p.m. $22-$44
Solo Chicken Productions the coop at the NB Provincial Archives.As part of the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, the coop led by Co-Artistic Directors Lesandra Dodson and Lisa Anne Ross, are currently ensconced as Artists in Residence at the Archives until December 2018. During this exciting residency the coop artists are interacting with the documentary heritage of New Brunswick and using various historical media as the catalyst for the creation of a series of new works that explore the history of New Brunswick through movement, text, and theatre. Created in collaboration with the coop artists and students from St. Thomas University, the product of this exploration is a new theatrical work, Information & Evidence, which will be performed as the capstone event of their anniversary programming. 7 p.m.
An Archives Anniversary Celebration Reception will follow the performance. We have limited seating capacity, so please RSVP to Hannah Zamora at 453-2122 or hannah.zamora@gnb.ca
Open Mic Night at The Capital. Rich Gloade hosts this weekly event at The Capital. If you are a duo, or a band, stop by and try out a new tune in front of a very encouraging crowd. 9 p.m. No cover.
Wednesday
Tomato/Tomato at Dolan’s Pub.Tomato/Tomato performs an eclectic mix of folk and country that will have you rolling down your windows and singing at the top of your lungs. Their live show includes jaw dropping multitasking, dynamic guitar arrangements, and soaring vocal harmonies. Stitch these elements together with compelling, heartfelt songwriting and you have an unforgettable musical experience. Tickets are $20 and are at Tony’s Music Box Ltd. 7:30 p.m.
STU Jazz in Concert in McCain Hall.The St. Thomas University Jazz Ensemble, STU Jazz, under the direction of Don Bossé, will be presenting their fall semester concert in the Kinsella Auditorium. The concert will feature many new arrangements of swing, funk, and Latin, along with some vocal selections. This will be a high energy performance by talented jazz musicians that you will not want to miss. Admission is by donation. 7:30 p.m.
Reggae Party with Dub Antenna at The Capital. Fredericton’s reggae band Dub Antenna plays every Wednesday in Wilser’s Room. Doors at 9. Show at 10 p.m.
Thursday
Queer Bodies | Queer Narratives: An LGBTQA+ Exhibition opens in the George Fry Gallery. Queer Bodies|Queer Narratives: a LGBTQA+ exhibition features work by Kelly Baker Photography, Vincent Briggs Needlework, Boy Venus, Dusty Green, Kyle Kirby Designs, Chase Benjamin Ceramics and Angel Williams.
Open Mic Night at Maybee Brewing Company. The latest open mic night in the city. Come strut your stuff. 7-10 p.m.
Branch Out Productions presents The Parfumerie in the Tom Morrison Theatre (Dec. 6-8).Romance and retail—who could ask for anything more from the holiday season? Join Branch Out Productions as they present the play that inspired You’ve Got Mail, The Shop Around the Corner and Broadway’s She Loves Me. This new hilarious adaption by Fredericton’s Ben Harrison will leave your heart melting and your lips laughing as you follow George the Shop Clerk, his feud with Miss Amalia Balash, and his anonymous love letters to “Dear Friend”. What could possibly go wrong when the person who annoys you most and the person you long for the most happen to be the same person – and you don’t even know it!
Tickets are $25 and will be available at Westminster Books, at Branchoutproductions.ca/tickets and at the door. 7 p.m.
Friday
Cinema Politica Fredericton presents Pride Denied.Set to the backdrop of World Pride in Toronto in June 2014, Pride Denied explores the concepts of pride and homo-nationalism through interviews with activists, community organizers, artists, and academics. The film will be followed by an optional discussion with member of cohosting group:, the Fredericton Feminist Film Collective.
All are welcome. Screenings are free but donations are welcome. Conserver House location is wheelchair accessible but the washrooms are up the stairs. 7 p.m.
Tales of a Charlie Brown Christmas with The Jerry Granelli Trio at The Playhouse.In 1965, world-class jazz musician Jerry Granelli, the newest member of the Vince Guaraldi Trio, was joined by Fred Marshall on bass in a San Francisco studio. Together, they recorded the soundtrack for a scrappy little animated Christmas special featuring the Peanuts gang. No one knew then that this recording would become the iconic soundtrack to the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas.
In recent years, Granelli was inspired by his grandchildren and the generations who grew up loving the Charlie Brown soundtrack to perform the music again. With his own new trio, he’s gone on to perform the classic and familiar piece of music in sold out shows across Canada, giving grandparents and parents the chance to introduce a new generation to live jazz music. Granelli’s trio will share the stage with a local children’s choir to bring A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack to life. This show promises stories, music, and a wave of Christmas spirit. $118-$36 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
New Brunswick Country Showcase at The Playhouse. Join us for the New Brunswick Country Showcase Christmas Show featuring: Kevin Neilson, Mallory Parsons, Grace Crawford, ChristineCrain, Stephen Hatheway, Marlee-Rae Brewer, Dwane Drost, Claudette Norman, Zaida Norman, Sarah MacLoon, Andrea Cormier, Steve Knox, Jolene Hall, Macey Jenkins, Paul DeMerchant, Kelsey Savoie-Moxon, Velvet Touch and the Showcase Band. $24-$26. 7:30 p.m.
The Bel Canto Singers at Christ Church Parish Church.The Bel Canto Singers present Midwinter: A Time of Sleeping & Waking. Music for the concert was selected to reflect the quiet of a winter world and the contrasting joyful celebration of Christmas. Selections include works by Bruckner, Poulenc, Britten, Chilcott,Ešenvalds,and Gjeilo amongst others. The choir will be joined by guest instrumentalists Emily Kennedy (cello), Julie Grant (flute), Josué Núñez (percussion), and our own Stephen Peacock (guitar). Special guest and former Bel Canto member, City Counsellor Kate Rogers will be reading poetry of the season reflecting the sentiments of the music.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, and $40 for families. They can be purchased at Westminster Books, from choir members, and at the door. 7:30 p.m.
Sunday
Fredericton Ladies Choir at St. Dunstan’s Church.The choir is directed by Sally Dibblee with Nadine Martin as accompanist. The program will offer a blend of traditional Christmas carols and other seasonal favourites, many of them new to the choir’s repertoire. Special guests for the event will be the Adult Handbell Choir from Brunswick Street Baptist Church directed by Peter Steeves. They will have their own time to perform but will also join the singers on several selections.
Tickets for the concert are $15 each and may be purchased at Westminster Books, from choir members or at the door. A donation from the Christmas concert will go to the Fredericton Community Kitchen to support the Student Hunger Program. 3 p.m.
Annual Christmas Snootenanny! With Sugarbomb at The Snooty Fox.We are fund/food-raising for the Community Kitchen, with music from Fredericton’s grooviest of bands, Sugarbomb Motown & Soul tribute! Bring non-perishable food items, or donate directly to the Community Kitchen if you so choose, and give to those in need this holiday season! 1-4 p.m.
Lansdown Concert Series presents Meaghan Blanchard & Catherine MacLellan.Catherine and Meaghan are in full rehearsal in their music workshop preparing for their annual Christmas concert series. They promise there will be lots of holiday favourites, originals, and more eclectic songs to mix it up! 2 p.m.
The artist’s fee for each concert is $25 at the door. The venue is 41 River Front Way. To reserve a seat, contact 457-0826 or pmm56@me.com
Open Mic Night at York County Cider. Every Sunday from 2-5 p.m.
