Get into the seasonal spirit with local concerts

 There are any number of ways to get into the festive spirit of this season and now that we're well into December, it's not too early to really enjoy the festivities. Of course you can simply switch on the all-carol radio or TV stations, but then you do run the risk of burning out from the relentless Christmas music long before you have a chance to check our your presents under the tree.

And so, we turn to the Christmas concert (or winter festival concert or holiday concert, whatever is the PC term these days). And you have some lovely ones to pick from in the coming week or so.

This Saturday, check out the Musical Tidings of Comfort and Joy concert by Allison Crowe and friends at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's United Church on Fitzwilliam Street. Crowe will be joined by young local musicians Hayley Read, Kiana Smith, Mathew Walker. Taylor Manns, Brynn Newman, Chelsea
Peckett, Emily Blake and Kevin Patton for a show that stirs together traditional Christmas carols and holiday favourites with an organic blend of rock, jazz, folk, gospel and soul.

This annual show also brings some aid to The Mind's Eye (NYSA) youth newspaper and Woodlands Secondary School Basketball and Band Programs.

Every year it's a holiday treat to have the amazing vocals of Crowe back in town and she always brings with her a Santa bag full of local talent to share the up-and-comers with city music lovers.

This show fills up every year so if you don't want to be disappointed, get your tickets now at West Coast Classic Floral, Lobelia's Lair, Andrea Bertram Studio, Fascinating Rhythm, Tom Lee Music, Mind's Eye-NYSA, House of Indigo, Thrifty Foods, Woodlands Secondary School and online at
www.allisoncrowe.com/shoptickets.html.