SEASONAL
What: Daniel Lapp’s Home for Christmas
Where:
When: Dec. 22-Dec.26
Tickets: By donation
Why: Daniel Lapp is beyond busy at this time of year, which is good news for fans of the Victoria performer and choir leader. His annual Home for Christmas Concert is once again an online entity this year, but the scope remains all-encompassing. Presented via the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s YouTube channel, the concert will available from Dec. 22 through Dec.26, with an array of talent on display. Shari Ulrich and Mary Macmaster join Lapp’s many ensembles and orchestras for the event, which has become a heartwarming holiday favourite.
BLUES
What: Big Hank’s Tribute to the Blues Songs of Christmas Featuring the R&B Kingpins
Where: Charlie White Theatre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney
When: Friday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24 from or 250-656-0275
Why: The legendary Charles Brown made Christmas forever synonymous with the blues, a tradition which Big Hank (aka Hank Lionhart of Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band) continues to further each December. The big man with an even bigger voice has resumed his Blues Songs of Christmas showcase, after one year away, and will be joined by Paul Wainwright and Wayne Kozak (saxes), Steve Cross (guitar), Ross Hall (drums), Mick Woodhouse (bass), and Steve Ranta (keys) for the performance. His annual showcase of seasonal songs with a rhythm and blues twist arrives at the most wonderful time of year for blues fans.
COMEDY
What: O Christmas Tea
Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St.
When: Sunday, Dec. 19, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $29.50 from or 250-386-6121
Why: Vancouver performers Alastair Knowles and Aaron Malkin are hundreds of shows deep into their career as James & Jamesy, a faux British duo that specializes in wacky physical comedy. They have honed O Christmas Tea (which exists in a world where the caffeinated beverage has flooded the streets) to a fine point, to the delight of audiences on Vancouver Island, where the response remains high. The duo will be perform matinee and evening shows on Sunday.
