A quick run through some of the events happening this week in the world of art, music and film.
Monday
Monday Night Film Series: Judy
Beloved actor, singer, dancer, and vaudeville star Judy Garland had a career that spanned over four decades. Depicting her last engagement on the stage, Judy stars the inimitable Renée Zellweger as the American icon in her final act. In the winter of 1968, Garland travelled to England for a sold-out, five-week engagement at the Talk of the Town nightclub in London. Nearly 30 years after she starred as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz – the role she became so widely beloved and remembered for – Garland arrived in London with deteriorating health and a plethora of difficult situations nipping at her heels. Plagued by substance abuse issues, predatory management figures, and a series of turbulent, failed marriages, Garland had left the United States during a period of financial instability, hoping to make her London run a success. But a lifetime of physical and mental health issues and the exploitative nature of those in charge of her well-being would not be left behind so easily.
Judy | Monday Night Film Series | Tilley Hall, Room 102, UNB Campus | December 16, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.
Barra MacNeils’ East Coast Christmas at The Playhouse. A traditional favourite, the Barra MacNeils’ An East Coast Christmas is a treat for the whole family. The five siblings are known for their brilliant instrumentals, ringing harmonies and delightful flair for story-telling. Their unique seasonal show is crafted each year to bring a special Celtic spin on traditional favourites and original east coast treasures with songs, stories and dance. Their stunning rendition of “O Holy Night” is just one of the many highlights that brings audiences to their feet. Fans can also look forward to gems like “Ave Maria”, “Christmas in Killarney”, and “Auld Lang Syne”, among an array of originals and seasonal delights. 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Open Mic Night at The Capital. Dylan Ward 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.
Richie Young at Wolastoq Wharf. Blues musician Richie Young entertains each Tuesday 6-8 p.m.
Shivering Songs’ 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. 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. 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday
Community Carol Sing at Christ Church Cathedral on Dec 18. This is for everyone who loves to sing the old familiar carols. Come and enjoy the Christmas spirit! Mulled cider and treats will be served. All are welcome. 7 p.m.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Organ Recital & Readings at St. Paul’s United Church. Dr. Sharon Pond, organist at St. Paul’s, will provide the music; Jane Blakely will be the reader. This is a must see for organ and music enthusiasts! A freewill offering for the CBC’s Feed a Family campaign will be received. 7 p.m.
The Mothership at Wilser’s Room. A groove like this groove will have you shaking off the cold and shaking everything you got! 9 p.m.
Thursday
Holiday Concert: Maureen & Richard at The Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Soprano Maureen Batt and Richard Belding (bass) return home to Fredericton, joining forces to celebrate the season with music and more! Enjoy Maureen’s moving vocal performance, make jingle bells, and sing along to holiday favourites. 6 p.m.
The Fortunate Ones Holiday Show with Dylan Menzie at Wilmot United Church. Fortunate Ones is a Canadian indie folk duo from St. John’s, Newfoundland, consisting of Andrew James O’Brien and Catherine Allan. With his unmistakable and compelling vocal range, a striking mix of familiar yet sophisticated musical lines and adept guitar skills, Dylan Menzie is quickly becoming one of Atlantic Canada’s prime musical exports. Hailing from Belle River, PEI, Menzie has been likened to Tom Petty and was highly praised by Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith. 8 p.m.
The Walking Contradictions at Speedbumps. Get you fix of twang and classic country with The Walking Contradictions’ Thursty Thursdays. 9 p.m.
It’s a Scroogey-Doo Christmas at The Delta. Jinkies! The rumours are true! It’s a chilling caper for the gang and Scooby-Doo when they find themselves in the town of Winter Hollow, where an Abominable Snowman has destroyed the town’s Christmas Spirit. Will this vengeful snow ghost take Shaggy’s Christmas Spirit too? Join us for a rocking dinner theatre experience that celebrates all the holiday magic and wonder of the season with your favourite childhood characters! 7 p.m.
Capital Complex Christmas Cover Shows. The Annual Christmas Cover Shows Announcement is here! The 16th edition will support the Greener Village Fredericton Food Bank. Tonight’s performers are Patsy Cline (Penny and friends), Fleet Foxes (The Hypochondriacs), The Pixies (Motherhood), Royal Brood (Brother), Soundgarden (Monkey Circus Freak), Thin Lizzy (Monteith) and AC/DC (Riversmoke).
Friday
Capital Complex Christmas Cover Shows. The Annual Christmas Cover Shows Announcement is here! The 16th edition will support the Greener Village Fredericton Food Bank. Tonight’s performers are Ed Sheehan (Adam Moore), Matt Good (86&8), Alanis Morrissett (Jess Wyman), Dixie Chicks (Jerry Faye) and System of a Down (unlisted).
Readings at Westminster Books: The Group of Seven Reimagined. Enjoy readings from this wonderful book, a celebration of Canada’s most famous group of painters, expertly blending visual artistry with evocative works of short fiction. 7 p.m.
George Canyon & Aaron Pritchett: 12 Days of Christmas at The Playhouse. Join George and Aaron as they share the stage, stories and songs together in this fun-filled holiday concert. 7:30 p.m.
The Montgomery Street Band at The Tipsy Muse Café. The Montgomery Street Band is a four piece string band composed of Patrick Gushue (mandolin/fiddle), Liam Keith-Jacques (guitar/dobro), Scott Michaud (banjo/guitar), and Jason Flores (upright bass), along with other occassional members. Along with masterful instrumentation, the bandmates also take turns leading four-part vocal harmonies. These avid street performers boast an impressive catalogue of old time music while also incorporating the blazing tempos and dynamic energy of a full-fledged jam band.7 p.m.
Saturday
Capital Complex Christmas Cover Shows at Boyce Farmer’s Market. The Annual Christmas Cover Shows Announcement is here! The 16th edition will support the Greener Village Fredericton Food Bank. Tonight’s show features The Fabulously Rich – A Tragically Hip Tribute.
Fundraiser Concert with iTromboni at Brunswick Street Baptist Church. The Team Canada of Trombones presents a must-see concert of fun and festive favourites with half the proceeds going towards the Fredericton Out of the Cold Shelter. You’ll hear some holiday selections as never before when Duke Ellington puts his personal touch on Tchaikovsky’s iconic Nutcracker, Grandma meets up with a reindeer…and even the Grinch makes an appearance. iTromboni is one of Canada’s most entertaining and versatile chamber music ensembles. These musicians are unified by their choice of instrument but come from all corners of the nation to form a dynamic quintet. 2 p.m.
Symphony New Brunswick presents The Christmas Concert at The Playhouse. Join us for Christmas Classics with guest conductor, Kevin Mallon, and guest soprano soloist, Sally Dibblee. There will be a pre-concert talk at 6:30pm. Show at 7:30 p.m.
Grand Theft Bus Live Album Release at The Capital. The wait is finally over…Grand Theft Bus will release their live album, Are We Still Playing?, on vinyl! A limited run of 180g vinyl will be available at the show, care of Feels Good Records! All proceeds from the sale of this album go to support Feels Good Folly Fest. 9 p.m.
Sunday
Open Mic with Mitch Rayner at The Tipsy Muse Café. Local performers are encouraged to come share their music Sunday afternoon open mic between 2 p.m – 5 p.m.
This Week in Fredericton was created with notes from the Fredericton Arts Alliance‘s weekly newsletter as well as Music Runs Through It‘s weekly Fredericton music update. We encourage you to visit both these valuable community resources for more detailed information on these and other events happening This Week in Fredericton.
