AGO - Alex Colville, Michelangelo

Looks like we weren't the only ones that thought an afternoon at the AGO was a good way to kick off the New Year's Eve celebrations. It was easy to take in both shows as the Michelangelo show was not a large one.

The Alex Colville show certainly speaks to how prolific Alex Colville was. Fascinating, captivating, varied and huge, there was lots to enjoy. I particularly liked the figure skater and the animals.

The Michelangelo show was a little disappointing, providing a fairly small selection of his work. While the drawings were exquisite, there were just too few of them. However, the Rodin sculptures were a great compliment to the show and were the highlight for many in our party.

Soulpepper - The Conjurer

An entertaining quaint magic show. Set in the turn of the century, with lots of period jokes and audience participation, this show is fun for all. Even our university bound engineering major hopeful couldn't figure out some of the tricks!

Ross Petty - Cinderella

This version of Cinderella will entertain and delight the whole family. Complete with the usual cast of homely, loathsome and lovable characters we have come to expect from a Ross Petty panto, this is one of his best. Dan Chameroy steals the show as Plumbum. Cinderalla is playing over the holiday break, so get tickets for the whole family.

St. Clements School Carol Service

While an awesome venue and lovely pipe organ, unfortunately the girls' voices were not strong enough to be heard at the back of the church. Perhaps a smaller hall might serve better....

Can Music Centre - CD Launch - E Raum

·     I strongly recommend purchasing Elizabeth Raum's latest CD Myth, Legend, Romance. We were treated to an abridged version with narration at the launch, held at the Canadian Music Centre National Performance Space. Performed wonderfully by: Erika Raum, violin, Rivka Golani, viola; Rachel Andrist, piano

Stuart McLean

As familiar as  going home for the holidays, sitting in Stuart McLean’s “living room” at the Sony Centre is one of our favourite Christmas traditions. Being among the first to hear the latest Christmas story about Dave and Morley is a real treat and a big hit with the whole family. His ensemble is also top notch and his special musical guests are always wonderful, often performers whose music we continue to seek out, long after the holiday season has faded….

TSO Pops - Celtic Christmas: Donnell Leahy and Family

Featuring the Leahy family and the Etobicoke School of the Arts choir, this Christmas Pops concert was fun, lively, engaging and all about family. ‎Unique arrangements made our favourite Christmas songs new and fresh, while still preserving the familiar holiday glow. A great family night out!

Soulpepper - A Christmas Carol

Like a favourite sweater, this performance wraps you in a warm Christmas glow, kicking off the joyous season. A perennial family favourite of ours, we highly recommend this show.

Toronto Christmas Market - Distillery District

A lovely and quaint market, with lots of ‎lovely ornaments, sweets, food kiosks and Santa, providing oodles of Christmas cheer.

One of a Kind Craft Show

The annual hunt for that unique and interesting gift was successfully concluded at the One of a Kind show. So was the acquisition of delicious and hard to find treats for gift baskets. And, of course, ‎a few choice baubles for myself! Its easy to find a gift for just about anyone here.

McMichael - Morrice & Lyman in the company of Matisse

Featuring Matisse and two Canadian artists with a similar style, we really enjoyed this show. Taking in the Group of Seven while there is also always a treat. We also had a lovely lunch in the cafe. Its very easy to spend a leisurely afternoon here, even on a day when walking outside is not attractive.