Good notes: 10 Calgary holiday concerts supporting great causes

By Shane Flug

The holidays are approaching, and though it's a time of family and celebration it can also be a trying time  for those in need. November and December, however, spark opportunity for the generosity of Canada’s musicians to truly sing. Whether you help feed the hungry, help make a child’s Christmas or just check out what local not-for-profit arts organizations are presenting, here are 10 Calgary shows where you can help spread holiday cheer simply by enjoying some live music. [Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Teles]

Live music TV show Stampede City Sessions is offering one lucky winner a free VIP evening on the house. During the Nov. 11 live performance with country-pop songstress Jess Moskaluke and guests Leaving Thomas, the community program is offering concertgoers a chance to win a free VIP experience at their Northern Pikes show the following weekend. Concertgoers who bring a non-perishable food item or piece of gently used winter clothing for the Mustard Seed will be entered into the contest. See their website for TV listings. Elsewhere, catch the Northern Pikes’ second Calgary stop on their Big Blue Sky 30th anniversary tour at the King Eddy at the National Music Centre Nov. 21.

• When: Nov. 11; starts at 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Webber Academy Performing Arts Centre
• Price: $25. Bring a food or clothing donation for the Mustard Seed to be entered in the contest
• Buy tickets online

Affordable working spaces for Calgary artists hit a wrecking-ball setback this summer when Voltage Creative Garage in Marda Loop lost its space for a new condo development. Christmas, however, is looking bright for the arts collective with a fundraising party announcing its new home. Bid on auction art and catch local jazz-folk troupe VOLK at the party. Also check Voltage’s Instagram for daily art auctions happening now, where winning bidders will also get a party ticket.

• When: Nov. 17; 7 to 11 p.m.
• Where: The Commons Calgary
• Price: $15 to $20
• Buy tickets online

Co-presented by Sled Island, this headlining night of the Femme Wave Feminist Arts Festival will fill both floors of the #1 Legion with some of North America’s greatest female talent. Highlights include Girls Rock Camp Saskatoon alumni Babyfats, Edmonton DJ Hood Joplin and New York rapper Sammus. Take a break upstairs with some games at the Safe Space Slumber Party. Check their website for the full festival schedule. Those who wish to further support Femme Wave can also check out their Club Sandwich donor’s perks.

• When: Nov. 18; 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Where: Royal Canadian Legion #1
• Price: $20
• Buy tickets online

With their humourously titled 15th studio album, Fake Nudes, ready to hit shelves and online Nov. 17, Canadian rockers Barenaked Ladies will literally be helping share the music when they hit the road to promote the new record. For their coming Fake Nudes tour, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to MusiCounts, a charity that puts “musical instruments into the hands of kids who need them most.”

• When: Nov. 20; starts at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons
• Price: $47.75 to $307.25
• Buy tickets online

Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Sarah McLachlan will be bringing her iconic emotional ballads to the Jubilee in support of the Owen Hart Foundation’s annual benefit concert. Founded by philanthropist Martha Hart, widow of late professional wrestler Owen Hart, the organization supports a variety of signature programs, including scholarships for students improving their academic careers and assistance for low-income homebuyers.

• When: Dec. 1; starts at 8 p.m.
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
• Price: $84 to $137
• Buy tickets online

Presented by the Calgary Folk Music Festival, drummer Jerry Granelli of the Vince Guaraldi Trio – the only surviving member of the original writers/performers of A Charlie Brown Christmas’ soundtrack – will come to town for a can’t-miss afternoon for the whole family. An adorable local children’s choir will back Granelli in this live performance of the holiday classic’s score.

• When: Dec. 2; starts at 4 p.m.
• Where: Central United Church
• Price: $30 to $35 (general)/$15 to $18 (youth)/free for infants and toddlers not needing a seat
• Buy tickets online

Presented by Legacy Kitchens and hosted by CTV Calgary broadcaster Darrel Janz, this year’s Music For A Winter Evening will support Oxford House and Next Step Ministries, two organizations that help vulnerable women recover from issues with addiction and sexual exploitation. Catch preshow entertainment courtesy of Harmony through Harmony and then welcome the holiday season with singer-songwriter Steve Bell and U.K. poet Malcolm Guite.

• When: Dec. 6; starts at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons
• Price: $31
• Buy tickets online

Deck the cars with bright-lit jolly! Canadian Pacific’s annual Holiday Train stop in support of local food banks will help give Canada 150 a proper sendoff with a great Can-rock lineup. Bring a non-perishable food and/or monetary donation for the Calgary Food Bank (check their wish list for suggested items) and rock by the rail car with ex-Great Big Sea frontman Alan Doyle and blues-rock idol Colin James.

• When: Dec. 9; 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
• Where: Anderson C-Train Station south parking lot
• Price: Free with food and/or monetary donation to Calgary Food Bank.

The rustic, Southern-style aesthetic of downtown Calgary’s seven-day-a-week live music venue will bloom bright with boxes of donated toys in support of the Women’s Centre of Calgary. Bring an unopened toy for kids of all ages and start the holidays on a loud note with artists such as Canadian storyteller Tod Hughes and electric four-piece MOJO donating their time and talent for this two-floor indie rock celebration. Appreciated gifts suggested for this year include makeup, gift cards, books, pajamas and gifts for teens.

• When: Dec. 9; 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Where: The Palomino Smokehouse & Social Club
• Price: Free with unopened toy donation to Women’s Centre of Calgary or suggested monetary donation of $15.

Local jazzman Oliver Miguel will take his multi-instrumental virtuosity centre stage to help make some holiday magic. All proceeds from this holiday feast for the ears will go to the Magic of Christmas, a local volunteer-run charity that sends Santa and his elves to our city’s neediest with Calgary Transit “reindeer buses” stuffed full of gifts on Christmas Eve.

• When: Dec. 16; starts at 8 p.m.
• Where: Engineered Air Theatre at Arts Commons
• Price: $35
• Buy tickets online

The holidays can be difficult for those fallen on hard times, but they also bring out the most generous in us. Through the gift of music, we can help end the year on higher notes for our most vulnerable.