JAYMZ BEE SEZ: Before I suggest some seasonal events, here is information on my New Year's Eve parties!
~ Jaymz

Cover One Another presents:
A Cocktail Countdown Salon
Live jazz, funk and more!

Pantages Hotel, 3rd Level
Dec. 31 11pm-2am
For tickets ($40) go to bemusednetwork.com

Genevieve Marentette and I will host a late-night party at Pantages Hotel that will be slightly reminiscent of our salons at our Liberty Village loft. This means all styles of music – including music for dancing of course – and a room of well-dressed friends enjoying cocktails. Some of our favourite entertainers will beeline to the party after their gigs at various venues so their will be many surprise guests.

The doors are at 11 and live music will begin right away! Of course, you are welcome to hang in the hotel lobby martini bar before coming up for the party. Cash bar open till 2am.

Another option! Before the party, I will be Music Director (my tenth year) for The Massey Hall New Year's Eve Comedy Extravaganza (7:30-10:00pm) and my funk act from my last birthday at Lula, "The Two Headed Ian Dury Tribute Band" will do a few songs! Shaun Majumdar is hosting and Yuk Yuk's Mark Breslin hand picks a bunch of the best stand up comics on the scene. Best of all, tickets are as low as $39.50! To laugh yourself silly before our party, you can get tickets and information at masseyhall.com.

And now... Holiday Events and more NYE things to consider:

LULA LOUNGE

lula.ca for tickets and info

Friday December 11 @ 7:30pm - Ori Dagan is an important dude on the jazz scene. As a promoter, booker, writer he has assisted many aspiring jazz artists and as a singer he can do a ballad one minute and have a "scat attack" the next. Highly entertaining!

Sunday December 20 @ 8:30pm - "We Sing For Their Supper" A variety show benefitting The Daily Bread Food Bank. Jef Farquharson hosts and produces this wild mish-mash of music and merriment. Over a dozen performers including Clay Tyson, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Lily Frost, Elise LeGrow and Luxury Bob. I plan on going over to sing a song myself! Doors 7:30, Show 8:30 $20 adv / $25 door

December 31 @ 10:30pm - Hilario Duran and Havana Remembered perform! There is a beginner's dance lesson with Baila Boogallo, DJ Trambo will spin and Hilario and his ten-piece band (including famous musicians like Alexander Brown, Alberto Alberto and Ahmed Mitchell) will blow minds, no doubt. There is a ton of info on this night so best to check their site for all the deets.

HUGH'S ROOM

hughsroom.com for tickets and info

I am only going to mention a few events here but I encourage you to check their on-line calendar to make plans for this month. (For December 9 tix at jazz.fm)

December 8 - There is a wonderful group from Nova Scotia in town called The Woodhouse. If you can't get to their 8:30pm show (tix $22.50 at the door) I can highly recommend their Christmas CD. Nothing fancy, just a timeless and flawless recording for your holiday party.

December 9 - This is year two for the JAZZ.FM91 Sound Of Jazz Concert called "A Kosher Christmas" and no doubt it will sell out again. Dave Wall, Julie Michels and Theresa Tova perform with The Lou Pomanti Trio and special guest Mike Murley on sax. I will get up to sing "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch". All songs performed are holiday favourites by Jewish composers. Really fun and very musical! Get your tix and more info at jazz.fm

December 31 - Hugh's Room countdown features Chris Whitely and Diana Braithewaite as well as special guest Sam Broverman. Contact the venue for tickets.

THE OLD MILL INN

Monday December 14

BARBRA LICA's HOLIDAY SHOW
Part of the JAZZ.FM91 Sound Of Jazz Concert Series
Old Mill Inn (main dining room)

oldmilltoronto.com for tickets and info

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Old Mill's Home Smith Bar features great jazz. Thanks to their knowledgeable booker The Fay... (Fay Olson). They are dark 24/25/26 but any other night – you can't go wrong! The June Garber New Year's Eve bash is totally sold out but there are still tickets for Barbra Lica December 14th. She will play with Robi Botos (piano), Marc Rogers (bass), James Bryan (guitar) and Mark Kelso (drums). Her new CD "A Christmas Present" will be available and her show is part of the JAZZ.FM91 Sound Of Jazz Concert Series ™ Pick up your tickets at jazz.fm.