What’s happening this week
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS ONLINE
Promote your events in print with the Go Guide and online with our Celebrating 709 events calendar.
It’s simple: go to www.thetelegram.com/ go-guide, click the date of your event and fill in the form.
Or email event details to telegram@thetelegram.com and include Go Guide event in the subject line. Submit your event today.
Events must be submitted by Monday each week to be included in the following weekend’s event listings.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 Activities
Ongoing
Merry and Bright Holiday Light Festival
The Merry and Bright Holiday Light Festival is on at the MUN Botanical Garden Dec. 7-9, Dec.12-16 and Dec.19-22. Parking is located at the Marine Institute on Ridge Road. Every 20 minutes, guests can hop aboard a free shuttle to and from the festival at 306 Mount Scio Rd., complete with carol singing. For tickets, visit https://www.mun.ca/botgarden/.
10 a.m. Away in a Manger
An exhibit of nativity scenes from around the world is at the Basilica Museum, right next door to the Basilica. This exhibit is ongoing Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day until Dec. 23. Admission is free, but gifts for children in need can be placed under our tree. All are welcome. A great way to get in the spirit of Christmas.
8 p.m.
Karaoke Challenge Fundraiser
A fun night of stand-up comedy, live music and karaoke with a twist! Challenge your friends to sing a song of your choice. They’ll either have to take the challenge or pay the price to get out of it. Hosted by Denielle Hann at the Johnson Geo Centre, the night includes performances from Darrell Power, Len O’neill, Kat Burke and Andrew Kay along with a cash bar, silent auction (great chance to get those unique holiday gifts), a 50/50 draw and prizes for best and “not the best” karaoke performances. Tickets $22 in advance at www.powerproductions.ca or $25 at the door (limited availability). Power Productions Inc. is a not-for-profit theatre company. Proceeds from this event in support of accessible supports and programs in our arts community.
Upcoming Write for Rights
Words have power! Last year, more than 4.5 million letters from more than 200 countries for Amnesty International’s annual Write for Rights Campaign proved the power of words to release political prisoners, stop the use of torture and protect human rights defenders globally (writeathon.ca/successes). Join us to sign letters and write cards for this year’s write-a-thon at 3 Gardiner Pl., St. John’s, on Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 1-4 p.m. Hosted by M-F Scully. Letters and cards will be provided as well as tea and coffee.
Art
5:30 p.m.
Proximity — Opening Reception
Christina Parker Gallery is pleased to announce “Proximity,” an exhibition by Ned Pratt that features a selection of photography from 2017 and 2018. This exhibition runs from Dec. 7-29, with the opening reception Friday from 5:30-8 p.m. Pratt will be present. Music by Boyd Chubbs. The photographs in “Proximity” take a simplified approach, with attention to three basic principles: light, colour and composition. In Pratt’s own words, he states, “the images become more than photographs, they are abstractions in colour and form with minimal composition; light, colour and texture are the unifying elements.”
6 p.m. N.L. Art Expo
From Dec. 7-9, the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre gallery space will host the 2nd annual N.L. Art Expo exhibit. This artist-run organization procures local professional artists to install recent works for sale and public viewing. This year, 10 artists will submit new works of art: Lily Taylor, Lisa Lebofsky, Frank Barry, Veselina Tomova, Rodney de Vries, Joy Hecht, Alison Rideout, Brenda Rowe, Irene Duma and James Shebib. There will be at least 50 paintings to view in a broad range of styles and sizes. Opening night is Dec. 7 from 6-10 p.m. The public is invited to attend. For more information, go online to www.burntwoodgallery.wixsite.com/artxponl.
Live Music
5 p.m. Chris Hennessy 8 p.m. Acoustic Bishops NSO Handel’s Messiah
In a Christmas tradition, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of guest conductor Stephen Candow and with the Philharmonic Choir of the NSO, presents Handel’s Messiah. Set in the historic and captivating Basilica of St. John the Baptist, soloists include: Suzie Leblanc, soprano; Aleks Romano, mezzo-soprano; E. Mark Murphy, tenor; and Joel Allison, baritone. This concert is presented by Cox & Palmer. Tickets ($28$38) are available at the box office (729-3900) and online at www.artsandculturecentre.com or at the door.
11:30 p.m. Tarahan Theatre
8 p.m.
‘The Christmas Spirit’
St. John’s Players present “The Christmas Spirit” by Frederick Stroppel, directed by Louise Kearley. “The Christmas Spirit” is a comical yet inspiring and touching play to capture the magic of Christmas and rekindle one’s Christmas spirit. Onstage at the Barbara Barrett Theatre at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre from Dec. 5-8. Showtime is 8 p.m. nightly. For tickets, call 729-3900 or visit artsandculturecentre.com.
Workshop
9 a.m.
Turf, Trust and Collaboration
Turf, Trust and Collaboration workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Liz Weaver of the Tamarack Institute. A workshop for community groups, charities and nonprofits. Sponsored by the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (CSC NL). $40 per person. CSC NL is offering a gift with compliments for the holiday season: pay for three — get one free. To register, visit http:// communitysector.nl.ca/eventturftrust or call Neil at 753-9860.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 Children
8 a.m. Breakfast with Santa
The Topsail United Church Men’s Club’s annual breakfast with Santa is Saturday from 8-11 a.m. with the usual great menu. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children. There will be face painting, colouring and, of course, pictures with Santa. All are welcome.
Groups
11 a.m. Overeaters Anonymous
Regular support group meeting at 13-15 Pippy Pl. in the Carnell Building. For more information, call 738-1742.
Live Music
2 p.m.
Land of the Lakes, Banana Vacuum
Indie rock group Land of the Lakes will play an all-ages show at the LSPU Hall with St. John’s newest (and youngest) punk sensation, Banana Vacuum. Tickets available online at lspuhall.ca or by calling 753-4531.
5 p.m. Bill Kelly 7 p.m.
A Baccalieu Christmas
The Music Box presents “A Baccalieu Christmas” concert with special guests at Topsail United Church. Tickets are available by calling the church office at 834-4567 or can be purchased at the door. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children. Food donations greatly appreciated for the C.b.s./paradise Food Bank.
8 p.m. Acoustic Bishops NSO Handel’s Messiah
the Philharmonic Choir of the NSO, presents Handel’s Messiah. Set in the historic and captivating Basilica of St. John the Baptist, soloists include: Suzie Leblanc, soprano; Aleks Romano, mezzo-soprano; E. Mark Murphy, tenor; and Joel Allison, baritone. This concert is presented by Cox & Palmer. Tickets ($28-$38) are available at the ACC box office (729-3900) and online at www.artsandculturecentre.com or at the door.
11:30 p.m. Tarahan Shopping
9 a.m.
St. John’s Farmers’ Market
Weekly indoor/outdoor farmers’ market at 245 Freshwater Rd. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday. Seventy or more vendors, featuring fresh produce, prepared foods, hot food, crafts, and more. Everything made, baked and grown locally. ATM and café on site. Weekly vendor lists, parking information and more available at www. stjohnsfarmersmarket.ca.
10 a.m.
Plantation Christmas Craft Open House
A special event where Quidi Vidi Village Plantation artisans invite alumni and other local craftspeople and makers to showcase their work in picturesque Quidi Vidi Village. There will be more than 20 vendors with beautiful, handcrafted products, live music, warm beverages and treats. Visitors can expect to see – and purchase – pottery, textiles, leather work, prints, copper tooling and much more. The open house takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Quidi Vidi Village Plantation, 10 Mapleview Pl.