Last week I caught Opera Revue’s last Toronto show of the year at Granite Brewery.  The usual gang; Danie Friesen, Alexander Hajek and Claire Elise-Harris, were joined by tenor Ryan Downey for, what else, a holiday themed show.  There was a mix of secular  and sacred Christmas music plus a few parodies.  And the Grinch put in an appearance.  So a pretty typical OR show and, as always, a welcome opportunity to hear some music performed well in an informal setting, beer in hand.

Speaking of which this was the first time I’d seen OR at the Granite Brewery (though by no means my first time at the brewery).  It’s a good venue.  The back room is more spacious than their downtown haunts and it’s really quite quick to get to.  It actually doesn’t take me longer on the TTC than to Castro’s, let alone the west end venues.  Who knows, it may even be quicker if and when the Eglinton LRT opens.  The food and beer selections are way better than any other Opera Revue venue I’ve experienced so maybe you want to try it in the New Year.  They are there once per month.  I did snap a few photos which aren’t exactly pro quality but included for fun.