TicketMOMster Review: JP Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday Show @ The Burt
I ended up at this show because my Twitter friend (@mattwiep) convinced me to go. He asked me if I liked Christmas (which I do – A LOT) and told me he didn’t, but he loved this show and had seen it three times.
If that’s not a glowing recommendation, I don’t know what is. So, I bought the last seat in the first balcony. The seat was so far back I couldn’t see the floor and almost missed the carolers who started the show in the isles.
Band came to the front for a few acoustic songs. /ANNE MARTIN
The curtain went up on stage and there was a full band with Christmas trees and huge lights that said “HOEL”.
It was really exciting watching that many musicians on stage. Two drummers, a keyboardist, three back up singers, a bunch of guitarists, a cellist and brass members from the Dirty Catfish Brass Band rocked out to “Deck The Halls”.
After a song from JP’s new album with the Dirty Catfish Brass Band, most of the band left the stage and Begonia sang “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”. The audience cheered for her and she gave them the “oh do go on” wave, which was really funny.
Everyone came back and JP told us a story about mice in his house and then sang a song completely unrelated to that story called “Brighten Up The Night”, which was excellent.
The cutest little drummer. /ANNE MARTIN
A few tunes later, the Blue Bomber drum line took the stage, lead by a tiny little drummer. I’m not sure anyone heard the song because there was so much excited chatter and “Awe!!!” from the audience. What a cutie!
After intermission, JP spoke a bit about it being a tough year for our musical heroes and then the band broke into Bowie’s “Heroes”. Half a dozen kids walked on stage dressed like Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen, etc. I really loved that part, it was a nice tribute.
Next, two people in a camel costume fought over which way to walk on stage and a therapist owl counseled them while the band played “Ain’t No Sunshine”. I’m not making this stuff up; that’s what actually happened.
Two guy camel counseled by an irritated owl. /ANNE MARTIN
The lights lowered and shone on the side loges where a choir sang a beautiful song dedicated to JP’s friend Kristen. I think this was my favourite song of the evening.
Just before the end of that song, I had a massive coughing fit and had to leave my seat to get some water. I came back in time to hear a song with lyrics that would probably have made me super sad considering my Father suddenly passed away three months ago. I left again because I still wasn’t finished coughing, which was probably a good thing. I’m sure the song was beautiful though.
Choir in the loges. /ANNE MARTIN
Begonia and JP sang “If I Were A Carpenter” during a skit about The Dating Game and the Blue Bomber Drum Line came out for the last song before the encore.
There was a standing ovation that quickly dissipated as stage hands set up for the next skit. Ace Burpee and Chrissy Troy recreated the leg lamp scene from “A Christmas Story”, while the band played “The Christmas Waltz”.
The last song featured a surprise appearance from Fred Penner who whistled Peter Bjorn and John’s “Young Folks”. The people around me went nuts over Fred Penner.
Fred Penner joins the band on stage for the last song. /ANNE MARTIN
Matt was right, I did enjoy this show. It was quirky and entertaining, and the lighting and sound were great. I’d definitely see it again…actually, I think I’ll make this show a yearly tradition with my Husband.
Good night!
Fred Penner joins the band on stage for the last song. /ANNE MARTIN
TicketMOMster is a Rock and Jazz-loving Mom; single-handedly keeping Ticketmaster alive in Winnipeg. Follow her musical journey here: www.facebook.com/TicketMOMsters
