Guide to 2011 Holiday Entertainment

So, as I’m sure you all know by now, Q is not coming to Kingston – at least not this February.  Jian announced London as the winning city on yesterday’s show, and deservedly so.  In fact, it would be easy to understand if Jian had picked any of the cities running a campaign.  Even though Q won’t be here in the new year, this contest has been nothing but good for the Arts community in Kingston.  We’ve banded together and spent the last 3 or so weeks focusing on our scene and why it is something to be proud of.  We’ve put ourselves on the map and I wouldn’t be surprised if Q does make a visit here at some point in the future.

The Arts scene in Kingston is clearly thriving and, although artists in the community work at it 365 days, this time of year is particularly jam packed with concerts and arts-based events.  I thought it would be nice to round out the contest and celebrate our efforts with a nod to the arts and a small guide to these events over the next two weeks.

• Saturday, December 10th: The Arts Council presents A Year in Review at The Mansion from 2-4:30pm.  The event will be youth driven and will include Slam Poetry, Break Dancing, QECVI Focus Program Artists as well as the announcement of the winner of this year’s Nan Yeomans Grant.  $5 tickets available at the Arts Council Office.

• Sunday, December 11th: The Kingston Chamber Choir presents The Messiah at St. George’s Cathedral.  The choir will be joined by members of The Kingston Symphony at 2:30pm.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students.

• Friday, December 9th-Sunday December 11th and Friday, December 16th-Sunday, December 18th:  Fort Henry hosts the annual Gift Giving Show, featuring unique gifts made by artists from around Ontario including many Kingston artists.  Admission is $5.  In addition to the show, special holiday dining is offered nightly until December 30th.

• Thursday, December 15th: St. George’s Cathedral presents the final concert in their Advent Noon-Hour Concert Series, featuring pianist Kevin Gan.  The concert is free and will run from 12:10pm-1pm.

• Friday December 16th and Saturday, December 17th: The Cantabile Choirs’ beautiful candlelight holiday celebration has become a treasured Kingston tradition.  There will be three shows, 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday as well as a 2:00pm matinee on Saturday, all at Sydenham Street United Church.  The evening performances feature all but the Junior Choir. The matinee features all choirs.  Tickets are $25 adults, $23 seniors/students, $15 children under 12 and can be purchased at The Grand Theatre box office or online.

• Tuesday, December 20th and Wednesday, December 21st: The Kingston Symphony presents their annual Candlelight Christmas concert at St. George’s Cathedral at 7:30pm.  This year’s show will feature mezzo-soprano and CBC host, Julie Nesrallah as well as The Kingston Choral Society.  Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $20 for students and $10 for children under 12.

• Wednesday, December 21st: Weeping Tile and Friends present their 17th annual Salvation Army Emergency Relief Fund Show at The Mansion.  This annual event has generated thousands of dollars for the Emergency Relief Fund which provides financial help to inviduals and families in times of extreme need.  Tickets are $20 and are available at The Mansion and Zap Records.

Thanks to Michelleness for today’s crafty winter pic.