Lowest of the Low
Toronto’s long-running indie rockers Lowest of the Low put out a new live album, Taverns And Palaces, that true to its name was recorded at the Horseshoe Tavern and Lee’s Palace. They’re celebrating it at both venues, both of which are celebrating birthdays – 74 for the Horseshoe and 35 for Lee’s.
UPDATE: The Horseshoe Tavern shows on the 17 and 18 have been postponed.
Bria at Paradise Theatre
Playing in the backing band for Orville Peck must have worn off on Bria Salmena. The FRIGS leader has put aside the tightly-wound indie-punk of her main band, teaming up with her guitarist collaborator Duncan Hay Jennings to take on country tunes by Lucinda Williams, Waylon Jennings, Karen Dalton and more. That new EP, Cuntry Covers, gets a proper workout in a beautiful, rarely-used venue (blame the pandemic). Local singer/songwriter Dorothea Paas opens.
UPDATE: The Bria concert at Paradise Theatre has been postponed from December 17 to February 19. Details via showclix.
Metz at Lee’s Palace
Toronto noise-rock band Metz waited so long to play a proper live show for their latest album Atlas Vending that they played a virtual release show and released that as a live album, Live At The Opera House. Now, as part of Lee’s Palace’s 35th birthday series, they can play a release show for both records – and just before capacity goes down. Psych-country-rockers Daniel Romano and the Outfit open.
December 17-18 at Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor West). $17.50. leespalace.com
Messiah/Complex
Against the Grain’s innovative film adaptation of Handel’s Messiah – capturing performers in every province and territory in the country, in six languages – was one of the breakthrough events of the last winter. Now it’s back, and in addition to being available to stream on-demand, it’s getting in-person screenings, including two at TIFF.
December 18 (one socially distanced, one at capacity). $24.85. 350 King W. tiff.net. Virtual screenings to January 9. Pwyc-$100. atgtheatre.com.
Alice In Winterland – A Virtual Family Holiday Musical
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a Ross Petty Productions panto. For the second year in a row, this season’s family-friendly offering is virtual. Kimberly-Ann Truong, Dan Chameroy, Eddie Glen, Sara-Jeanne Hosie and Thom Allison star in this choose-your-own-adventure take on Lewis Carroll’s classic, presented in association with Crow’s Theatre.
December 18 and 19. $35 per household for unlimited 48 hours viewing. rosspetty.com
Welcome Back To The Future
One of Second City’s funniest sketch reviews in recent memory just opened, and it’s perfect to chase away those winter – and pandemic – blues. And stick around at the just-opened Comedy Bar Danforth to have a drink or nibble while chatting up the terrific cast. See review here.
Limited run. $48-$53. 2800 Danforth. comedybar.ca
