November events on tap to get you into the holiday spirit
It’s not hard to see — Christmas is in the wings! And in Lethbridge, there are many ways to get into spirit of the season. Over the next few weeks, there’s plenty for people gearing up for the holiday, as well as those who don’t want to rush the
season. Starting with music, the Lethbridge Symphony
Orchestra has three familyfriendly events in the works. On Nov. 20, music director
Glenn Klassen will take the podium for “Adventures in Film,” featuring music from well-known movies including “Jurassic Park,” as composed by John Williams, James Newton Howard Hans Zimmer and more.
Kids are invited to give their Halloween costumes a second appearance, if they wish.
Then on Nov. 29 and 30, the orchestra will back children’s choirs from local schools, during four hour-long concerts (different choirs each time) at 5:30 and 7:30 both days.
As usual, concerts will be held at Southminster United Church, with tickets (just $6 for the choirs) available from the kiosk in Southminster Hall.
• • • Vox Musica, the long-running community choir, will be joined by the Bridge Brass on Nov. 25 for a concert featuring carols, a performance of Vivaldi’s “Magnificat,” and three pieces
commemorating Canada’s 150th.
That’s set for 7:30 p.m. in Southminster United, with tickets available at Casa or at the door — and accompanied children 12 and under admitted free! • • • End-of-semester concerts at the university begin with the U of L Jazz Ensemble on Nov. 24, a collaborative ensemble presentation Nov. 25 and the U of L Wind Orchestra on Nov. 28. Check the box office website, ulethbridge.ca/finearts/events
for tickets and times.
• • • And at month’s end, a renewed collaboration will see
New West Theatre team up with the Lethbridge Big Band for “Christmas Memories,” running from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. in the Multicultural Centre.
• • • Just a little ways south, the
Galt Historic Railway Park at Stirling will celebrate a “Victorian Prairie Christmas,” Thursday and Friday, from 1 to 4 p.m. daily. Call 403-327-2854 for details.
Back in the city, the annual Bright Lights family party will be held next Friday and Saturday in Galt Gardens, with hay rides, popcorn, coffee and hot chocolate offered during the evening, along with timehonoured Christmas movies and an appearance by Santa.
• • • Nearby, seasonal events indoors will include Christmas at Casa, featuring an artisan market (5 to 9 p.m.) on next Friday and Saturday, followed by a “holiday market” on Nov. 24, 5 to 10 p.m. at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, and “Christmas at the Museum” on Nov. 30, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Galt.
A “Holiday Gift Expo” will also be presented Friday, 3 to 9 p.m. in the South Pavilion at Exhibition Park.
• • • So, ready for something different? Longtime local history buff Belinda
Crowson — now a city council member — will return to the Galt Museum on Wednesday for “A Sick History of Lethbridge,” a look back at the city’s beerbrewing years with Fritz Sick and his iconic Lethbridge Brewery. Her 2 p.m. presentation will be followed Nov. 19, same time, by historian Stephanie Laine
Hamilton with a description of “Booze & Bars: Pic and Sick,” exploring notorious Crowsnest Pass bootlegger Emilio Picariello’s links with Fritz Sick.
• • •
Another part of southern Alberta history, the rustic Canyon Church Camp in Waterton Lakes National Park has hosted countless events over the years, in addition to summer camps for kids. This year’s wildfire destroyed several of its cabins and facilities, so Dory and the Weathermen will be holding a benefit concert Nov. 25 at Southminster United, 7 p.m., to help with reconstruction and repairs. A silent auction will be featured, along with their “Art of the Cover Song” program; tickets at the door.
••• On Nov. 24, comedy fans can witness a live edition of “The Debaters,” a CBC Radio show that travels across the nation. Host
Steve Patterson will challenge guest panelists to use “laughs and logic” while disagreeing over timely topics. It’s set for Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m. at the Enmax Centre with tickets available there.
••• Free movies at the downtown library will take on a seasonal flavour as well — but not for awhile. This month, the Friday night (7 p.m.) features will be “Land of Mine,” set in post-war Denmark, on Friday and then Oscar-winning actors Jim Broadbend and Charlotte Rampling in “The Sense of an Ending,” on Nov. 24.
Over at The Crossings, movie classic “Murder on the Orient Express” on Tuesday will be followed by “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” on Nov. 21.” Screenings are set for Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Back at the Theatre Gallery downtown, the university’s no-charge New Media series will continue with “Playtime” on Wednesday, and then “Planet of the Apes” on Dec. 6, both at 6 p.m.
• • • This week’s shout-out goes to the folks at Motel 6 on Mayor Magrath Drive, recently recognized at one of the “top achievers” among the group’s franchise holders across Canada. Today, the “Motel 6” sign can be found in more than 2,400 communities across the U.S. and Canada.
••• And a few reminders: “Vigil,” an ironic Canadian comedy by Morris Panych, runs Wednesday to next Saturday and then Nov. 21-25 in the Trianon Art Gallery, 1 Avenue at 5 Street South. It’s jointly produced by New West
Theatre and Theatre Outre, with tickets and show times available from the front desk at the Penny Building, 324 5 St. S.
“12 Angry Jurors,” a Hatrix Theatre drama, continues Wednesday to Saturday at the Nord-Bridge Seniors’ Centre, with tickets from Blueprints Records.
And for a break from your usual menu, the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association is presenting “A Taste of Ecuador,” Nov. 24 from 5:30 p.m. at the Multicultural Centre.