Steve Pineo is getting ready for his own Christmas tradition: a run of dates at the Ironwood Stage and Grill, informally called “Steve Pineo’s Christmas Extravaganza.” For seventeen years, it’s been a way for Pineo to put on a special holiday show with full production.
“I used to do a show called ‘Steve Pineo with Horns,'” he says, “and I expanded that to be a Christmas show, where I would write new songs or adapt Christmas favourites, with a bit of irreverent humour. We do ‘God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” with a surf rock feel, for example.”
Pineo will have a band with him at the Ironwood, including Allistair Elliott (trumpet), Mike Clark (saxophone), Dave Reid (trombone), and Kit Johnson (bass). Tim Leacock is on guitar, Paul Wells plays piano, and Laura Jackson is a featured vocalist. Pineo himself is on guitar and vocals.
“I do the arrangements and it’s a lot of fun,” says Pineo. “People say that’s how their Christmas season starts.” And, he adds, there’s something in the show for everyone—even the people who have mixed feelings about Christmas, or don’t love the holidays. “Our show is irreverent, but also sincere. A lot of people like our song, ‘Let’s Celebrate Christmas Pagan Style,’ but we also do ‘O Holy Night,’ and we do that one straight. And sometimes we pass the hat for people who need a boost or some help at Christmas-time. It’s about bringing people together.”
Pineo likes collaborating, and says that he’s always open to learning new things, adding, “I know when to be the leader and when to be the sideman. And this show is always a good time.”
Steve Pineo’s 17th Annual Christmas Extravaganza runs November 30 – December 3. It often sells out, but Steve says you can come to the door and hope for the best. “We might be able to squeeze you in!”
Find details at ironwoodstage.ca
