IT’S LOVELY WEATHER FOR CHRISTMAS CARAVAN SHOW
When: Dec. 20
Where: The Bassment
What: I’m one of those annoying people who has no chill in December. Listening to music? It had better be Christmas music! Watching a movie? It had better be Home Alone or another festive favourite! Wearing clothes? Put some glitter on it! More egg nog! More shortbread! On Dasher, on Dancer! I realize I’m a bit much. If you’re a bit much too (or if you just enjoy the holidays and good music), you might want to check out Sultans of String. The Toronto group is on tour in support of its new album Christmas Caravan. Apparently it’s not your typical Christmas album. “This is a Christmas album, but approached from the perspective of a world-music band. We explored diverse genres, from Quebecois fiddle tunes to collaborating with a traditional Turkish string ensemble, and jump around from the classic sounds of the Andrews Sisters, to a Himalayan sleigh ride, African roots music, Gypsy-jazz, rumba flamenco, ska and the grandeur of the symphony,” band leader Chris McKhool said in a release. When: Monday
Where: Louis’
What: Look, I understand not everyone wants to spend December wrapped in holly and drinking gallon after gallon of nog. That’s fine too. A few generous bands are making sure to bring the rock to December and they include All That Remains. The Massachusetts quintet has been making music 15 for years about “whatever the hell they felt like with total disregard for what was considered trendy.” In that time, they’ve experimented with everything from pop to rock to “caustic metalcore.” The band’s latest album is called Madness. Throw the Flight is also on the bill.