The group, best known for their comedic hits from the 1990s, will be performing an assortment of holiday standards, as well as classic songs from their three-decade catalogue. Barenaked Ladies, which, despite the name, are an all-male group, will be drawing from their Barenaked for the Holidays album, which contains songs dedicated to multiple holiday traditions, taking both humorous and heartfelt approaches. The group currently consists of vocalist and guitarist Ed Robertson, bassist Jim Creeggan, percussionist Tyler Stewart and keyboardist Kevin Hearn, with original vocalist Steven Page having left in 2008.
The Ottawa stop is part of a 14-date holiday tour launching in Vancouver in December 1 and wrapping up in Toronto on the 22nd. The stated goal of the tour is to celebrate holiday togetherness after the band had to cut back their schedule in recent years following public health shutdowns. Holiday concerts, often promoted with festive poster printing and unique setlists, are a way for music fans to see their favourite artists in a different light.
In a statement, Robertson encouraged fans to come, saying:
“It’s been a couple of long, cold, lonely winters, so let’s have some fun!”
The Barenaked Ladies’ Hometown Holiday concert will come to Ottawa’s Southam Hall on December 17.