Holiday concerts on the Danforth

Local residents won't have to venture far from home to get into the Christmas spirt. Here's a list of upcoming, local holiday specials, all on the Danforth.

PROG ROCK TOY COLLECTION

The December gathering of prog rock bands and fans at the Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Ave., just east of Broadview, will also be a toy drive for the city's children in need.

Those taking in the show, slated for Sunday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., are asked to bring a new, unwrapped, non-violent toy to the performance.

Admission is $5 or $10 without a toy.

The collected toys, along with the money raised, will be handed over the United Way of Toronto.

Local art rock bands include Amnesia Vivace, Lorne Hind 360 and Wilton Said.

Said, besides being a performer, is the organizer of the regular prog rock series at the Black Swan

Visit www.myspace.com/nuancegta for details.

EAST YORK CHOIR

The East York Choir presents its seasonal concert on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. at Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave., at Jackman Avenue, just west of Chester subway.

To Drive the Cold Winter Away will feature early music and carols from around the world, and Hanukkah, jazz and gospel selections, as well as the premier of conductor Jenny Crober's arrangement of Joni Mitchell's winter classic, River.

Special guests include:

* eight-time Juno Award nominee Michael Occhipinti on guitar;

* Les Allt (The National Ballet, The Lion King) on flute and tin whistle;

* and Jamie Drake (TorQ Percussion Quartet) on percussion.

Crober is the artistic director and Elizabeth Acker is the accompanist.

The choir will be holding a raffle at intermission along with the traditional carol sing during the concert.

Tickets are $20 ($15 for seniors and $10 for students).

And new this season, tickets can now be purchased online at www.eastyorkchoir.ca

See website for more details or call 416-425-3812.

TORONTO CHORAL SOCIETY

The Toronto Choral Society, based out of Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave., at Chester, have a couple of annual concerts coming up.

First, on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul's Basilica, 83 Power St., east of Queen and Parliament, is their annual Street Haven Christmas Benefit Concert.

Featured along with the main choir is the Street Haven Women's Choir, which is affiliated with the Toronto Choral Society.

Street Haven is a multi-faceted organization located in downtown Toronto, serving women through emergency shelter beds, a drop-in program, addiction treatment programs, a learning centre and supportive housing.

WINTER CONCERT

And then, on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Eastminster United Church is their annual Christmas concert.

This year the group will present Christmas Oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Conducted by Geoffrey Butler and featuring organist William O'Meara, special guests include:

* Melanie Conly, soprano;

* Adriana Albu, mezzo-soprano

* Anthony Cleverton, baritone

* and The Talisker Players.

Visit www.torontochoralsociety.org for details.