Cleveland concert cheer

“Not your average Christmas carol!”

Anne Nickoloff, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Events: Grog Shop/Mahall’s 20 Lanes/Cleveland Orchestra/Cleveland Jazz Orchestra/Student groups
Location: Various Cleveland venues
Dates: Throughout December

Stuck in Cleveland for a little longer than you planned? Luckily, Cleveland music keeps running over winter break. So, whether you’re living nearby or stuck here for some extra time, here is a handful of shows to keep you busy.

At Harkness Chapel, a cappella groups Solstice and Speakeasy will join each other and become Solsteasy for their Winter Concert on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 9 p.m. This free concert will also have hot chocolate and cookies, and it lands right before finals start, making it an easy celebration before academic craziness begins.

The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has two different versions of the same concert coming up, performed in Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theatre. On Dec. 14, a family-friendly concert titled “Jingle Bell Jazz Matinee Goes (Pea)Nuts!” costs only $10 and includes events for children. The more adult-focused program is on Dec. 13, and “A Not So Silent Night Goes (Pea)Nuts” has tickets between $25-$50. The laid-back evening is a great idea for a Christmas-themed date, with one of the best jazz groups Cleveland has to offer.

Starting on Dec. 12, the Cleveland Orchestra will begin its two weeklong running Christmas concert on the weekends. This event almost always sells out, with tickets ranging from $40-$99 without a student ID. However, $10 student tickets are available if bought in advance, so it’s worth planning ahead for this one.

Holiday music can include some rock and roll, too. Grog Shop’s got your back with a handful of holiday-themed concerts over break. These include “A Bleak Christmas” show on Dec. 18, “Cruel Winter Fest” show on Dec. 23, “Red, Black and Green Xmas” show on Christmas day and a New Year’s Eve show. All of these concerts feature local bands, in addition to the occasional free food. And they’re cheap, at only $8-$15.

For a two-for-one event, visit Mahall’s 20 Lanes for cheap bowling and cheap music, too. Rock out at “Home for the Holidays: A Punk Rock Reunion” priced at just $5 on Dec. 23. Bring a toy, or $5, and get into Bravoartists’ Holiday Show on Dec. 19, featuring local bands Envoi, Skies of December and Meridian. It doesn’t get any cheaper than that.