That's Dandy, Andy

Andy Kim

Andy Kim is a Canadian whose long career included the 60s hits "Sugar, Sugar" and "Rock Me Gently". For the past 6 years, he has enlisted other Canadian musicians to sing in a Christmas charity show. This year, it promised to be the largest yet. The recipient of the 7th annual Andy Kim's XMas show is Juliette's House, a women's shelter.

I won two tickets to the show by retweeting a message from a local music promoter. But I found out that I was actually one of the 700 who made it on the guest list. Only about 400 paid beforehand for a total of 1100 who crammed into the Phoenix. Of course, everyone was encouraged to contribute something for the charitable cause. I wasn't willing to stand in the long line for long, but luckily it moved fairly rapidly. I got inside as Andy Kim was a few songs in.

Emma Lee

This was the most professional show I've seen at the Phoenix lately. There were lots of lights and effects, multiple camera men, and speedy roadies who set up and tear down equipment with blazing speed (a necessity as each singer sang no more than 2 or 3 songs). I was resigned to staying at the back but noticing gaps here and there, especially along the bar areas, I was able to sidle forward until I was right at the front.

Over the next 2-3 hours a disparate number of Canadian acts came on, most accompanied by the "house band". Most sang a Christmas-related cover, though not necessarily a "classic" such as Silent Night. A number of TV/Radio personalities including Dave Gilmour, Jian Gomeshi, and Steve Anthony kept up the banter throughout the evening.

After Andy Kim, Emma Lee sang 2 acoustic numbers, followed by Dru who got the audience dancing to his RnB. Buck 65 did a terrible "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Meaghan Smith (because he can't sing). He was on firmer ground with his own rap-sing "Wicked and Weird". Up-and-comer Lights sang 2 songs including "In The Air Tonight".  The 80s vibe will continue all night. Members of Finger 11 did country tunes. Their "Honky-Tonk Santa" is almost as catchy as "Little Red Cup". 80s hair band Honeymoon Suite followed, which got cheers from the middle-aged segment.

Sarah Harmer

New band The Arkells came up next and showed why you got to be hungry to play rock music. They were the best act of the night, taking the stage with a blistering take on their song "Whistleblower". One song and I'm already a fan. The youngsters showed the old-timer how it's done when they and Lights covered "You Make My Dreams Come True". In fact, they had the most time on stage, also doing "Do You Hear What I Hear" with Sarah Harmer, and "My Girl" with Amanda Zelina (The Coppertone) and Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene).

Sean Cullen channeled a slightly deranged Bing Crosby. Sam Roberts came on with Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene) for "Little Drummer Boy" and "Don't Walk Away Eileen". Ron Sexsmith covered the melancholic "Driving Home For Christmas" but finished with his more uplifting "Love Shines". Finally, Andy Kim closed out the evening with "Sugar, Sugar" and brought everyone on stage for "Rock Me Gently". It was a fun night of music that raised at least $50,000, since it was announced halfway through the show that a local bigwig has donated $50K for the cause.