Year in and out at Christmas time a musical gang converges on Toronto’s Rivoli Back Room, and everyone plays a tune maybe two. Yuletide songs, seasonal stuff – literally all the bells and whistles. The feeling is warm, close-knit and relaxed. We’ve been able to give some food to the Daily Bread Food Bank and shell out some bucks – to causes like The Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Orchestrated and hosted by singer/songwriter/gadfly Mia Sheard since 2007, a seasonal hang’s been happening at the Rivoli in Toronto for 13 years without fail (by a thread really).  Previous to its current incarnation, a Christmas time benefit at the Rivoli was organized by the accomplished singer/songwriter Tamara Williamson.

Ryan Granville Martin                                                               Photo: Graham Powell