Enjoy a cornucopia of entertainment for the whole family at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, BC at the annual Winter Celebrations from December 18 – January 5, 2020.
The Anvil Centre will come alive with joyous sounds of the season with a large all-embracing range of daily events and performances by professional artists, singers and musicians as well as activities for families – literally something for everyone of all ages over the 14 days beginning at 3pm on weekdays and 10am on weekends.
And it’s all FREE!
Officially kicking off the even on December 19 at 5:45pm are acclaimed children’s entertainer, Will’s Jams, followed by the award winning Canadian Folk Music group, The Fugitives.
Event Highlights
December 19
Daily performances and activities begin at 3:00 pm
- 5:45 to 8:00 pm Celebration Opening
- The Fugitives – renowned Canadian Folk Music group
- Will’s Jams – Will Stroet of Will’s Jams is a musician and educator of kids music – loved for his original rock, folk, and blues music.
December 20
Daily performances and activities begin at 3:00 pm
- 6:45 pm Itamar Erez and Kevin Romain
Israeli-born, Vancouver-based Erez, a world-class guitarist, pianist, composer and educator, his music blends the delicateness of Middle Eastern music with jazz and flamenco, creating a unique sound all his own, accompanied by drummer, composer Kevin Romain - 10:30pm Festivus for the NewWest of Us
Join the fun at this Festivus gathering, featuring local comics, authors, and other celebrities as they “Air their Grievances” about the pressures of Christmas and it’s commercialism.
December 21
Daily performances and activities begin at 10:00 am
- 1:00 pm Maple Leaf Singers
As a show-chorus, they do more than sing, they perform. Their dynamic show features a variety of music complemented by choreography in genres such as: pop, gospel, swing, jazz, folk, classical, spiritual, rock, Broadway hits and more! - 6:45 pm Darren Radke, Will Cournoyer-Clements and Daniel Green
Will Cournoyer-Clements a bilingual French-Canadian jazz vocalist, Daniel Green saxophonist, composer, and acoustic bass musician, Darren Radke. - 10:30 pm Solstice Pride Ball
Join East Van’s Cheapest Date Peach Cobblah for a wintry wonderland like you’ve never seen before, with performances by Jaylene Tyme and Celestial Seasons, and queer dance party love from DJ O Show.
December 22
Performances and activities begin at 10:00 am
- 11:00 am The Kerplunks
The Kerplunks are Canadian children’s entertainers bringing high-energy, colourful performances to the stage. The Kerplunks play catchy self-penned original tunes guaranteed to get kids engaged, singing along and joining in on the actions - 6:45 pm Anna Pietrzak and Thomas Lamont
Anna is a versatile guitarist and teacher who performs worldwide, joined by Thomas Lamont, a young upcoming lyric tenor from New Westminster.
December 27
Daily performances and activities begin at 3:00 pm
- 6:45 pm Fionn
Fionn’s Alanna and Brianne Finn-Morris 19-year-old twins from White Rock, have been singing together for most of their lives, forging folk-pop sound. Lyrics that deliver both sharp social commentary and poignantly personal reflections are backed by arrangements that range from lushly orchestrated balladry to boot-stomping roots-rock.
December 28
Daily performances and activities begin at 10:00 am
- 1:00 pm RupLoops
RupLoops is a kids friendly interactive, live looping performance, using vocal percussion, rhythmic rhymes and an arsenal of eclectic instruments from around the globe. - 4:30 pm Cassius Khan and Amika Kushwaha
Maestro Cassius Khan is a master of the Tabla (North Indian drums), combining his drumming with the Indian classical styles of Ghazal and Thumri singing with Amika Kushwaha performing Kathak dance. - 6:45 pm Halifax Wharf Rats
Vancouver based band of high energy tunes features a wide array of the most popular Classic Rock tunes, Canadian folk classics from the likes of Neil Young, Stan Rogers, and Gordon Lightfoot plus songs of Atlantic Canada, and Irish and Scottish folk tunes.
December 29
Daily performances and activities begin at 10:00 am
- 1:00 pm A History of Motown – Krystle Dos Santos
Krystle Dos Santos and her three-piece band will take students back in time to the era of Motown music from the late 1950s to 1980s. Motown Records grew to be a music industry powerhouse featuring stars such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and a young Michael Jackson in the Jackson 5. - 5:00 pm The Sojourners
The three amazing voices of Marcus Mosely, Will Sanders and Khari McClelland, (from Ralls, Texas, Alexandria, Louisiana and Detroit, Michigan respectively) give The Sojourners’ sound an authentic edge that only comes with experience. This is real gospel – blessed with a soul that can’t be faked.
January 4
Daily performances and activities begin at 10:00 am
- 1:00 pm The Blues Berries
The Blues Berries perform throughout Canada spreading their love for the blues to the younger generation. Their unique approach takes children’s topics such as learning the alphabet, recycling, and bullying and blends them with bluesy beats to create educational songs that every child can get down and boogie to. - 6:00 pm Ceilidh with Blackthorn
Blackthorn features four talented musicians, three of whom share lead vocals, bringing a refreshing diversity of character to the group’s polished sound and all four contribute a mastery of a colourful variety of instruments. From lively jigs and reels, to songs with rousing choruses and heart-wrenching airs and ballads, they bring the music to life with their luscious harmonies and complex instrumentation.
January 5
Daily performances and activities begin at 10:00 am
- 4:30- 6:00 pm Family Dance Closing Party
In addition to the highlights, there are children’s activities galore. From dance, arts and crafts, story-telling, circus and juggling arts, art installations, and musical performances, as well as an assortment of community guests performing within the 14 days that are too many to mention!
The Anvil Centre is located at 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster BC. Check out their site for a full detailed schedule of all the activities and performances.
the real /darryl 