sa国际传媒

Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Critic's picks: Jon and Roy; Messiah; Cheesecake Burlesque

Arts writer Mike Devlin picks his favourite upcoming events, including Jon and Roy鈥檚 Holiday Special on Friday.
web1_jon-and-roy
Jon and Roy bring their annual Holiday Special to the Royal Theatre on Friday, Dec. 8. SARA SPECTRUM

JON AND ROY HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St.

When: Friday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m.

Tickets: $30.75-$45 from the Royal McPherson box office (250-386-6121) or

Why: Jon and Roy are the train that keeps on chugging; almost without exception, everything the duo of Jon Middleton and Roy Vizer touch turns to gold. That includes their Spotify streams in 2023 (28 million and counting) in addition to their annual Holiday Special, which happens each December and hits capacity like clockwork (at press time, a few single seats are available, but this event is arguably sold-out). Though folk-flavoured, the Holiday Special always tinkers with the definition. Nehiyaw singer-songwriter Wyatt C. Louis, Toronto up-and-comer Billianne, Victoria’s The Bankes Brothers are on the bill year, but it will be Jon and Roy, with Dave St. Jean on trombone and Esme John on bass, who will succeed in making the Royal Theatre feel warm amid the winter on Friday.

MESSIAH FROM SCRATCH

Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave.

When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m.

Tickets: $27.96 from ($11.98 for students)

Why: Amateurs and professionals band together for Messiah From Scratch, an afternoon of song at Christ Church Cathedral. Led by the cathedral’s director of music, Donald Hunt, a team of pro singers, and the Emily Carr String Quartet, the weekend wariors who practice in private can finally sing in public, and let their high-notes fly during the much-anticipated Hallelujah chorus. You’ll be in chorus rehearsal at 2 p.m., and by 4 p.m. the stage will be yours. That’s a Christmas gift for for all.

CHEESECAKE BURLESQUE

Where: The Roxy Theatre, 2657 Quadra St.

When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.

Tickets: $35 from ; $40 at the door

Why: The members of Cheesecake Burlesque need not an excuse to have fun, but a night of seasonal silliness is a suitable reason to get excited about Let it Show, the troupe’s event at The Roxy on Saturday. There’s a lot on tap, including appearances by Cherry Cheeks, Holly Shirt, Champagne Sparkles, GoGo VanGo, Lil’ Jam Jam, Lolly Lushbottom, and Ginger Kittens. ‘Tis the season for this brand of sassiness.

[email protected]