Featured Events in Elgin in December, 2024 (May Updated)

We are thrilled to be presenting an unusually beautiful and interesting winter concert Sunday, December 8, 2024, beginning at 3pm at St Mary’s Church, 1701 Elgin Road. The centrepiece of the concert is the stunning multi-movement work, Dreamweaverby Norwegian-American composer Ola Gjeilo. ... Performed with the Victoria Conservatory of Music Chamber Orchestra and Artist Facult with Deeandra Miranda, soprano. A musical retelling of the famous Norwegian medieval folk poem, the Draumkvedet, Dreamweavertells the story of a man who goes to sleep on Christmas Eve and has visions of the afterlife. On awakening, he understands that we must all be kind to one another. We are pairing this exceptional work with pieces on the theme of polar night based on music by the indigenous Sami people of Scandinavia, by the Wendat people of Canada, and by traditional choral music from Sweden and Norway. Concert features the world premiere of 'There is No Rose' by Ramona Luengen and the newly composed 'Iesous ahatonnia' by Sarah Quartel, Andree Levesque-Sioui and Jeanette Gallant. $30 general admission, $20 students NOTE 1: Children who are 12 and under will be admitted for free. Information Source: Newcombe Singers | eventbrite

Noir Year’s Eve: A Drag Countdown to Remember! Ring in the New Year with Hauz Noir as they present Noir Year’s Eve—the ultimate drag showdown where glamour, glitter, and competition collide! Join us for a thrilling night of fierce performances as eight of Hauz Noir’s fiercest performers battle it out in seven rounds of lip-syncing madness to see who will snatch the crown, the glory, and the ultimate bragging rights for the entire year. But here’s the twist—you get to decide who takes the crown! As the clock ticks and the countdown begins, audience votes will determine which dazzling diva will reign victorious. Expect jaw-dropping looks, killer choreography, and show-stopping performances as we count down to midnight in style. Information Source: Hauz Noir | eventbrite

Tara provides an inspiring musical journey that will entrance the audience. Tara Davidson is a JUNO Award-winning saxophonist, known for her mastery of both the alto and soprano saxophones. She has graced renowned stages worldwide, including New York City's Carnegie Hall, the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, Shanghai's JZ Jazz Club, and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. As a bandleader, Davidson has released eight recordings since 2004 and contributed to over forty albums as a side musician. Five of her projects, either as a leader or co-leader with Carn Davidson 9, have earned JUNO Award nominations for Jazz Album of the Year. Additionally, her work as a side musician has been linked to seven other JUNO nominations, including collaborations with Ernesto Cervini's Joy project, Andrew Downing’s Otterville, Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop (twice), the Mike Murley Septet, CBC Records’ “Jazz Legends Live” project, and Jens Lindemann’s Order of Canada Band. In 2020, she won the JUNO Award for Jazz Album of the Year: Group with Cervini's Turboprop. Among Davidson’s accolades, she was named lead alto saxophonist for the Canadian National Jazz Orchestra in 2022 and performed with the European Broadcasting Union’s European Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2008. She was also a finalist in the 2008 Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz saxophone competition and a top-three finalist for the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Emerging Jazz Artist Award in 2015. In 2013, she received the Ontario Arts Council’s Chalmers Professional Development Grant, allowing her to study with saxophone legend Dick Oatts in New York City. Beyond her jazz career, Davidson is a versatile woodwind player, proficient in saxophones, clarinets, flute, and piccolo. She has worked with prominent musical theatre companies such as Toronto’s Mirvish Productions, the Stratford Festival, the Musical Stage Company, and Drayton Entertainment, as well as with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the National Ballet Orchestra. Her diverse career has led her to perform alongside notable artists like Oliver Jones, Joel Frahm, Tommy Banks, Jens Lindemann, Jazzmeia Horn, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Wycliffe Gordon, Phil Dwyer, Dave Douglas, Shirley Bassey, Ingrid and Christine Jensen, Brad Turner, and John Riley. Davidson is also a dedicated educator, serving on the faculty at the University of Toronto and York University. She proudly represents Yamaha as an artist, playing their Custom Z alto saxophone. Information Source: The Night Owl | eventbrite

Environmental awareness skillsNervous system regulationOptimal grip, stance, and footworkEvasion and counter-strikingLegal considerationsStraightforward, no-frills self-defense techniquesSparring drills to dial in your new skillsGuro Robert Lee holds black belts in Jiu-Jitsu and Kali. He has educated civilians and professionals alike in bladed self-defense for twelve years. In 2013, he was one of four Americans invited to the Philippines for an intensive training camp in Quezon City, during which he was awarded his instructorship. His eclectic self-defense system—Drala Kali—is the culmination of years of sparring, cross-disciplined workshopping, and focused training in multiple Kali systems. Information Source: 4 Rings Tactical | eventbrite

Aline provides a stirring musical adventure that will mesmerize the audience. Aline Homzy is an acclaimed violinist and composer hailing from Montreal, where she was raised by a Québécois mother and an American father with Eastern European heritage. Her original compositions are deeply influenced by her diverse cultural background. In addition to her work as a composer, Aline frequently lends her violin skills in Toronto's recording studios, collaborating with various artists on their original music. Known for her remarkable sight-reading abilities, extensive knowledge of jazz and improvisation, and vibrant personality, she is highly sought after in the industry. Some notable artists she has recorded with include David Occhipinti, Andrew Downing, Iskwé, The Weather Station, and Amanda Tosoff, among others. Aline also leads the string section for projects such as SymphRONica (nominated for a Juno in 2019), Maurizio Guarini’s “A Goblin’s Chamber Music,” and De Bouche à Oreille – a series of francophone performances, along with many other initiatives in Toronto that focus on recording and live performances. Her impressive resume includes performances and recordings with international artists like Munir Hossn (Brazil), Emma Smith (Edinburgh), Jake Sherman (USA), Leah Michelle (USA), Ed Sheeran (UK), Danilo Perez (Panama), and Cho Yongwon (South Korea), as well as Mikko Hildèn (Sweden). Aline has showcased her talent in prestigious venues such as Koerner Hall, Massey Hall, The Glenn Gould Studio, Burdock, The Great Hall, and various stages at the TD International Toronto Jazz Festival and the Montreal International Jazz Festival. The initiative “Aline’s étoile magique” was born out of Aline’s recognition of the underrepresentation of women in the improvised music scene. She brought together some of Toronto's finest musicians, including Magdelys Savigne (OKAN), Anh Phung, and Edinburgh’s Emma Smith, to each perform a set of original music at the Canadian Music Centre. Aline’s vision for “étoile magique” centered around compassion and musicianship, and she selected Michael Davidson for vibraphone, Thomas Gill on guitar, and Dan Fortin on bass to perform her pieces. That year, she received the highest scores for the TD Discovery Projects award. Aline's commitment to community grew from this experience, leading her to realize how inaccessible the arts can be for low-income families and individuals. As part of her concert priorities, she made five tickets available to those in need. Additionally, she sought to address the issue of fair compensation for improvising musicians, successfully raising enough funds to ensure all participating musicians were paid fairly, a feat she takes great pride in. In 2019, Aline launched and curated a highly successful music series at Sapori wine bar, showcasing women instrumentalists and creating fair-pay opportunities for underrepresented musicians within her community. Information Source: The Night Owl | eventbrite

Studio Ordinary X Propeller Dance ‘Circle of Nature’ In partnership with Studio Ordinary and Propeller Dance, the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) is honored to present ‘Circle of Nature’, a collaborative dance performance on Saturday, December 14, 2024, 16:00(ET) at the Multipurpose Hall at the KCC. This performance celebrates meaningful artistic exchanges between Studio Ordinary (Korea) and Propeller Dance (Canada). Established in 2015, Studio Ordinary is a group of visual artists with autism exploring new ways of experiencing art and fostering connection through creative expression. Propeller Dance, based in Ottawa, Canada, is an inclusive contemporary dance organization known for producing art that highlights and embraces the beauty of diverse bodies and minds. In 2024, artists from both countries collaborated to bring ‘Circle of Nature’ to fruition—a partnership where Studio Ordinary developed the visual art and overarching storyline, while Propeller Dance created a dance interpretation inspired by these works. The event will be held in an accessible venue and offered as a relaxed performance. An access guide will be available in both digital and printed formats to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you require any other accommodations, please reach out to us by Monday, December 2, at canada@korea.kr. Details: * Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024, 16:00–16:45 (45 mins) * Location: Korean Cultural Centre, 150 Elgin St #101, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4 * Registration: Link (Registration required, first-come, first-served basis) About the Performance: ‘Circle of Nature’ is a collaborative performance merging visual art and dance to illustrate the universal cycle of growth, connection, and transformation. Inspiration drawn from artwork by Studio Ordinary — a Korean artists’ group with autism — alongside KUNAM Collective and Sean Roh, the storyline reflects resilience and interdependence. Propeller Dance interprets these visuals through expressive movement, weaving together stories of nature, unity, and life’s phases, highlighting the strength of diverse cultures and abilities. Artists: Propeller Dance: Amelia Rose Griffin (Movement Director) Bella Bowes, Robert Chartier, Nicolas Benoit (Company Dancers) Mo Sonier (Music) Studio Ordinary: Sean Roh, KUNAM Collective (Art Directors) Minwoo Jeong, Younghun Hong, Byungcheol Choi (Visual Artists) Information Source: Korean Culture Centre Canada | eventbrite

Studio Ordinary X Propeller Dance ‘Circle of Nature’ In partnership with Studio Ordinary and Propeller Dance, the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) is honored to present ‘Circle of Nature’, a collaborative dance performance on Sunday, December 15, 2024, 13:00(ET) at the Multipurpose Hall at the KCC. This performance celebrates meaningful artistic exchanges between Studio Ordinary (Korea) and Propeller Dance (Canada). Established in 2015, Studio Ordinary is a group of visual artists with autism exploring new ways of experiencing art and fostering connection through creative expression. Propeller Dance, based in Ottawa, Canada, is an inclusive contemporary dance organization known for producing art that highlights and embraces the beauty of diverse bodies and minds. In 2024, artists from both countries collaborated to bring ‘Circle of Nature’ to fruition—a partnership where Studio Ordinary developed the visual art and overarching storyline, while Propeller Dance created a dance interpretation inspired by these works. The event will be held in an accessible venue and offered as a relaxed performance.An access guide will be available in both digital and printed formats to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you require any other accommodations, please reach out to us by Monday, December 2, at canada@korea.kr. Details: * Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024, 13:00–13:45 (45 mins) * Location: Korean Cultural Centre, 150 Elgin St #101, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4 * Registration: Link (Registration required, first-come, first-served basis) About the Performance: ‘Circle of Nature’ is a collaborative performance merging visual art and dance to illustrate the universal cycle of growth, connection, and transformation. Inspiration drawn from artwork by Studio Ordinary — a Korean artists’ group with autism — alongside KUNAM Collective and Sean Roh, the storyline reflects resilience and interdependence. Propeller Dance interprets these visuals through expressive movement, weaving together stories of nature, unity, and life’s phases, highlighting the strength of diverse cultures and abilities. Artists: Propeller Dance: Amelia Rose Griffin (Movement Director) Bella Bowes, Robert Chartier, Nicolas Benoit (Company Dancers) Mo Sonier (Music) Studio Ordinary: Sean Roh, KUNAM Collective (Art Directors) Minwoo Jeong, Younghun Hong, Byungcheol Choi (Visual Artists) Information Source: Korean Culture Centre Canada | eventbrite

Gerri provides a moving musical experience that will fascinate the audience. Gerri Trimble, an Anishinaabe jazz vocalist and songwriter, has been praised as a “discerning and distinctive vocalist” by Peter Hum of the Ottawa Citizen. Known for her warm and inviting voice, Gerri offers a diverse jazz repertoire that encompasses beloved classics as well as hidden gems. Her original compositions, which often explore a range of emotions, veer off the conventional path, showcasing her artistic individuality. A familiar presence in Ottawa’s music scene and beyond, Gerri infuses her performances with both humor and a spirit of adventure, creating an engaging atmosphere for her audience. She has had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed musicians such as Kevin Barrett, John Geggie, George Koller, Steve Boudreau, and David Restivo, each of whom has contributed to her growth as an artist. Gerri’s unique sound is shaped not only by the legendary jazz singers she admires—like Carmen McRae, Sheila Jordan, and Nancy Wilson—but also by the influences of blues and classic country music that filled her childhood home in Northwestern Ontario. Though she has blossomed as an artist later in life, Gerri is passionately dedicated to her craft and is excited to announce her debut release slated for late 2025. This upcoming project promises to reflect her journey and artistic vision, further establishing her place in the jazz world. Information Source: The Night Owl | eventbrite

For many, this is not the most wonderful time of year. And that's okay. Jesus, Jazz & Dessert Wine: Blue Christmas is a curated event where we will tell stories through drums, songs, and personal narratives. It is a space dedicated for gatherers to name their loss, name their hope, and nosh sweet treats provided by Crumbville TX Bakery. This event will occur outside. Please bring a chair, blanket, or meditation pillow for seating comfort. Free and open to the public. JJDW: Blue Christmas 6 PM, Thursday, December 19, 2024 Crumbville TX Bakery (Houston) Note: Story content is not suitable for children younger than 12. Information Source: Alexus Rhone/Truth, Meet Story, LLC | eventbrite

House Rules: Please arrive at 8:45pmFirst Come First SeatedAnd no touching the comedians:)Thank you for the support! Information Source: TakeOut Comedy - Zicket | eventbrite

Join us for a night full of laughs at Furnace Room Brewery in Georgetown, with some of the best comedians from around the province. Sin Bin Comedy has been producing professional comedy shows for over 8 years and have served laughs to over 5,800 attendees! We bring the comedy club experience to you! Whether it's a private, corporate, or fundraising event, we have your laughs covered and its close to home! Lineup TBA - but possible guest appearance by Santa! (if you've been nice..or naughty!) Tickets are $25 and available on Eventbrite or email sinbincomedy@gmail.com Doors 8pm Showtime 9pm (2nd floor, stair access only) Seating is a combination of 4 picnic tables that seat 6-8, 4 high top tables that seat 4, and single bar stools/chairs. Highly recommended to come in early if youre looking to eat, especially if youre with a group. Information Source: Sin Bin Comedy | eventbrite

Southern Ontario Lyric Opera returns to St. Luke's - Tenor Romulo Delgado with Chorus for an afternoon of Seasonal, Sacred and Operatic musical theatre favourites, and more! Sabatino Vacca, Conductor and Accompanist. This fabulous performance will be held in the church on Sunday, December 22nd at 3PM Information Source: Music at St. Luke's | eventbrite

🎄 **Xmas Rager '24 - Boxing Day Special** 🎄The Townehouse TavernThursday December 26thDoors @ 8:30PMCelebrate the holiday season with some angst and energy. Crater Core Events & the Townehouse Tavern present: Xmas Rager '24 - Boxing Day Special! Whether you've been *naughty* or *nice*, it’s time to trade in those Christmas carols for the raw power of pop-punk, emo, screamo, hard rock, and more. Our live band will be ripping through all the anthems you know and love from iconic bands in the scene, delivering everything from pop-punk power chords to emo heartbreak and hard rock heaviness. Come decked out in your grungiest holiday attire—ugly sweaters, eyeliner, and studded belts are more than welcome. Let's make this a Boxing Day to remember with a night of loud music, sing-alongs, and unforgettable vibes. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and prepare to scream along to the hits that defined the emo era.**This isn’t your typical Christmas event—it’s a rager.** Information Source: Crater Core Events | eventbrite