Concerts

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Hot Date: Celebrate with Wynton Marsalis

FEBRUARY 23 An impressive assortment of classic and contemporary big band music is on the playlist as the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra swings into Toronto. Touring in honour of co-founder and music director Wynton Marsalis’s 50th birthday, the group is slated to perform selections from the trumpeter’s vast compositional output, such as his Pulitzer Prize-winning Blood on the Fields, as well as other new works. Of course, the ensemble is also dedicated to preserving the spirit of traditional jazz, through interpretations of tunes by the likes of Thelonious Monk, Lee Morgan and more. Massey Hall, 8 p.m., $39.50 to $99.50; call 416-872-4255 or visit here to buy.

Hot Entertainment: Homegrown Talent

Jann Arden

With three books under her belt, a job judging the reality competition Canada Sings, an advice columnist gig with Elle Canada and her own CBC Radio show, it’s amazing Canadian songstress Jann Arden finds the time to do what first made her famous: singing. The Juno Award–winner is on the road again to promote Uncover Me 2, her latest album filled with covers of classic songs. Catch her at the Orpheum Theatre (Feb. 21).—Kristina Urquhart

8 pm. $59.50-$99.50. Orpheum Theatre, Seymour St. at Smithe. Tickets 1-855-985-5000.

Hot Date: A Milestone for Mozart (and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra)

Jan Lisieki

JANUARY 11 TO 22 The Toronto Symphony Orchestra continues its 90th season by commemorating an even older anniversary—that of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s birth. The ensemble’s annual series of Mozart programming this year highlights two of the composer’s late-period masterworks—his Jupiter Symphony and Requiem—in separate concerts, along with other exemplary pieces and even a “Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage” show for young listeners. Audiences at the January 18, 19 and 22 performances of Requiem are in for an additional treat, as teenage prodigy Jan Lisiecki sits in with the orchestra for Mozart’s Piano Concerto no. 20. Roy Thomson Hall (January 22 at George Weston Recital Hall), $20 to $145; call 416-598-3375 or visit here for showtimes and to buy.

Hot Entertainment: Jay-Z and Kanye West

Jay-Z. Photo by Chris Baldwin

Kanye West

Rap Royalty

With over 65 million albums sold worldwide and 27 Grammy Awards between them, there’s no doubt hip-hop heavyweights Jay-Z and Kanye West are successful solo artists. So you can imagine that when these two rappers collaborated for their album Watch The Throne, it was a sure bet. The duo’s smart rhymes, unconventional samples and experiments with sound have translated into a marathon concert with 30-plus tracks on the set list. Rogers Arena is the last stop on their tour, and it will be a show you won’t want to miss (Dec. 17 and 18).—Kristina Urquhart

More information:

7:30 pm. Rogers Arena, Pacific Blvd. at Abbott St. Tickets 1-855-985-5000.

Q&A with The Good Lovelies on their Christmas Tour

Get your fill of holiday music with The Good Lovelies.

This Canadian folk group takes the stage at Shenkman Arts Centre on Dec. 13 as part of their special Christmas tour. Where Ottawa editor Misa Kobayashi caught up with The Good Lovelies in advance of their local show to find out about their travel essentials, where they love to eat when they’re in Ottawa, and more.

What’s your favourite activity to do on the road?
Well, we bought some skipping ropes about a year ago. When we get restless, we get out of the car and jump rope for a few minutes. Invariably, we make friends with any young girls that happen to be around. They join in without asking. It’s a way more fun version of the elementary school playground! And we love eating in new places, checking out the local cuisine. Recently we had some incredible Indian food in Northern Ontario in Bruce Mines. Go figure! (more…)

Hot Date: The Music of Woodstock

Relive the era with Classic Albums Live: Woodstock.

Dec. 14. Peace, love, and Woodstock. It was an event that brought people together to enjoy great music. If you experience a pang of nostalgia when you hear melodies by Joan Baez, Jimi Hendrix, or Janis Joplin, then this show is for you. Classic Albums Live: Woodstock is a tribute event showcasing hand-picked artists who perform the classics. This concert will give people the opportunity to relive a moment that defined a generation and enjoy the timeless tracks that only get better with age.

Hot Entertainment: Sting

Singing sensation Sting

How better to celebrate a 25-year solo career than a North American tour? Catch Sting’s Back to Bass Tour, filled with stripped-down versions of all his hit songs, Dec. 8 to 10 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.—Sheri Radford

More information:

8 pm. $51-$151.50. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 1-855-985-5000.

Hot Dates: What’s Happening for the Holidays

Ho ho holy moly! There’s a lot of festive events going on around town! Musical performances galore, an abundance of stage works, oodles of kid-friendly activities, and of course a plethora of places to cover your gift-giving needs. Have a look at what Toronto has planned this month for holiday-season revellers. (more…)

Hot Entertainment: Pius Cheung

Pius Cheung

Chinese-Canadian virtuoso Pius Cheung makes marimba magic during Wednesday Noon Hours at the UBC School of Music (Nov. 23).—Sheri Radford

More information:

UBC SCHOOL OF MUSIC Barnett Wednesday Noon Hours (Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30). 12 pm. $5. Jazz Ensemble II (Nov 3). 12 pm. Free. UBC Guitar Ensembles (Nov 18). 12 pm. Free. Scholarship Winners Concert (Nov 20). 3 pm. Free. UBC Composers’ Concerts (Nov 21). 12 pm. Free. Early Music Ensembles (Nov 23-24). W 8 pm, Th 12 pm. Free. Contemporary Players (Nov 25). 12 pm. Free. Soundings: Music of David Crumb (Nov 27). 2 pm. Free. UBC Percussion Ensemble (Nov 28). 12 pm. Free. Electro Acoustic Music (Nov 29). 8 pm. Free. Barnett Hall, 6361 Memorial Rd. 604-822-0182. www.music.ubc .ca

Hot Dates: 5 for music lovers

Finger 11.

November 18: Canadian rockers Finger Eleven, best know for hits like “One Thing” and “Paralyzer,” perform at Casino Nova Scotia on Upper Water Street.
November 26: The Dartmouth Community Concert Association hosts the multi-talented Rhapsody Quintet at Woodlawn United Church. The ensemble performs light classical, salon, musical theatre, movie music, jazz, tango, klezmer and more.
November 27: Soft-rock dreamboat James Blunt, best known for “You’re Beautiful” and “Goodbye My Lover,” makes a rare visit to the Halifax Metro Centre.
December 4: Performing in Halifax for the first time, the Mastan Group offers an “uplifting, mesmerizing” performance of Persian music.
December 9: New Orleans music legend Dr. John (joined by the Lower 911 band) rocks Casino Nova Scotia.