It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and not just because of the preponderance of Christmas concerts happening, but because touring musicians basically stop touring at this time of year.
On the bright side, it means the next couple weeks are a great opportunity to check out some of your favourite local acts performing all over the city.
But before that, Victoria Ho Tonk band the Ball Gag N’ Chain Gang return to the Slice tonight to host the Tuesday open mic.
Several Lethbridge indie-rock acts will be playing the CKXU Christmas party at the Slice, Dec. 14. In addition to Santa Claus, several local bands including indie rock trio Jesse and the Dandelions, drums and bass duo betterhalf and the Ruby Plumes will be performing.
The Grinch who Stole Whoville, an amalgamation of local musicians, will also be playing weird versions of Christmas classics. Admission is $10 at the door, or $8 with a non perishable food donation which will be donated to the Lethbridge Foodbank.The event will also donate $150 for the Lethbridge Herald’s Campaign to help Hungry Kids.
Another $150 will be donated to LPIRG’s “Walking With Our Sisters beading demonstrations which commemorate 600 plus Native women who have gone missing or have been murdered in Canada.
Some of Lethbridge’s best blues musicians will also be performing this week. If you missed Paul Kype and Texas Flood playing the Slice and the Casino this week, they will be back at the Slice, Dec. 15. Darryl Düus and Smokestack Jacks will tear up the Slice, Dec. 13.
Lethbridge blues band Driving While Blind will be playing Jimmy’s Pub on Dec. 15 as well.
Lethbridge blues/ rock musician Leigh Doerksen will be hopping, Dec. 14. He plays the Mocha Cabana from 6-9 p.m. then will be playing with Church at the Owl Acoustic Lounge after that.
For something a little more low key, Bridgette Yarwood returns to Ric’s Grill, Mix Lounge on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
For a touch of country music, Karen Romanchuk plays the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Dec. 15. In a similar vein, folk duo Pete Watson and Joel Bryant play the Mix Lounge at Ric’s Grill, Dec 15. For something a little more rocking, the Dean Ray Band plays Casino Lethbridge, Dec 14 and Dec. 15.
You can see a plethora of up and coming talent at the many open mics and open jams happening throughout the week.
The Owl Acoustic Lounge hosts a Monday open mic as well as the L.A. Beat open jam on Wednesday. They also have a plugged in jam on early Sunday evenings. Tuesdays mean open mics at Bo Diddly’s and the Slice. If you like jazz music, don’t miss the jazz jam at the Slice, Dec. 13 with HBO3 (Paul Holden, Brad Brouwer and James Oldenburg).There are two open mics this Thursday — the Trianon Wine bar’s regular open mic as well as an open mic in the Cave at Lethbridge College.
The Lethbridge Folk Club has their regular open mic (second and fourth Friday of every month) this Friday while Jimmy’s Pub and Brasserie has their regular open mic on Friday nights as well.
