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They’ve been keeping a low profile for the past few months, but unruly big band NOJO return tonight (Thursday, December 21) when they try to fit 16 people onto the Rex’s stage for a good cause.
The jazz orchestra play their annual Christmas benefit in support of Nellie’s Shelter for Women, promising to reconfigure your favourite holiday standards NOJO-style. Silent Night has never sounded quite like this.
Admission is $10, but you can save a few bucks by bringing used clothing or a non-perishable food item to the club. There will also be free cookies made by the members of NOJO.Equally festive (make of that what you will) is the return of 80s glam/hair band Platinum Blonde, also tonight, at the Horseshoe. The folks who brought us Standing In The Dark continue their comeback as Platinum Blonde 2000 and host the ‘Shoe in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank. All your favourites will be played, as well as a few holiday-themed surprises, and expect to hear more from the band in 2001.
“After 10 years, we’re finally getting some label interest,” vocalist Mark Holmes laughs. “It’s exciting. Next year’s going to be even busier, with tours and hopefully a record.”
You’ve been warned.From Wembley to Ted’s? Yup, if you’re a Spice Girl with a solo disc to hype.
In town last Thursday for a six-song showcase sponsored by 103.5 Hits FM, Melanie Chisholm, aka Mel C (who also made promo stops in Edmonton and Calgary), bopped onto Ted’s small stage with little fanfare and started belting. Things took a turn for the weird when she halted the music to answer questions from the crowd, but judging by the joyful expressions on the faces of the contest winners in attendance * both kids and adults, among them totally psyched Horseshoe bartender Ted Fury and daughter Holly * the Spice was right. Chisholm’s solo set, by the way, is called Northern Star.
