
The summer travel season will be here before you know it, and people all across Western New York will be planning their annual getaways. With gas prices continuing to rise, many of us will be looking for a fun getaway destination perhaps a little closer to home. If that’s the case, you may want to check out nearby London, Ontario.
The best way to do that is to watch the “Discover Our Spirit” videos produced by Tourism London. From cultural and recreational destinations to great restaurants and hotels, there are dozens of brief videos for you to check out. And while the videos are very informative, they’re not very long, each ranging from approximately one to three minutes!
If you’ve never been there, London is one of those cities that appeals to all ages. Among the attractions are a wide variety of festivals, museums, recreational facilities, shops and markets, adventure parks, theater, tours and much more.
To watch the London videos, visit
http://www.londontourism.ca/Discover-Our-Spirit/Most-Popular-Videos
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Orchestra London Canada has been sharing the magic of live orchestral music for more than 60 years. Under the direction of Music Director Alain Trudel, Orchestra London currently offers six series, ranging from the classical Masterworks and Cathedral Series to the popular styles of the Red Hot Weekends (rock) and Pops (Broadway/Big Band).
In fact, the popular Red Hot Weekends have become London’s hottest ticket! Here’s a look at their lineup for the 2012-13 season:
October 12 & 13
Barenaked Ladies
Multi-platinum album sales, Grammy nominees, multiple Juno winners ... the Barenaked Ladies make their Orchestra London debut at this not-to-be missed season opener. BNL will pair their eclectic mix of folk and pop/rock with Orchestra London for an unforgettable night of red hot music.
November 9 & 10
Chantal Kreviazuk
Two-time Juno Award winning, singer-songwriter and pianist Chantal Kreviazuk, known for her hits “Surrounded,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and “Feels Like Home,” makes her Orchestra London debut! Alain Trudel conducts.
December 14 & 15
Christmas Memories
The magic of the season comes alive as Juno nominee Jim Witter and his amazing band ring in the holidays with Christmas favorites. The sights and sounds of the season will have you smiling and singing along at this seasonal show, perfect for families.
January 18 & 19, 2013
Feeling Groovy: The Music of Simon & Garfunkel
Juno-nominated piano man and songwriter Jim Witter and friends take the stage to pay tribute to the ’60s and the rich music of Simon & Garfunkel. Let this incredible performance take you back to the golden age of music.
February 15 & 16, 2013
Alex Cuba
Grammy-nominated and Juno award-winning singer Alex Cuba takes center stage alongside conductor David Martin and Orchestra London for an explosive evening of funk, rock and samba.
March 22 & 23, 2013
The Long & Winding Road: The Music of The Beatles
Orchestra London, Jim Witter and friends are your tour guides on this “Magical Mystery Tour” into the minds of the legendary creators behind the Beatles biggest hits, including “Backbird,” “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be.” Enjoy the ride!
April 19 & 20, 2013
The Piano Men: The Music of Elton John & Billy Joel
Join Maestro Alain Trudel, Orchestra London and Jim Witter at the grand piano for a musical journey through the ’70s at this memorable salute to two of the most popular contemporary songwriters.
For more information, visit www.orchestralondon.ca or call (519) 679-8778. For assistance planning a getaway to nearby London, please visit www.londontourism.ca.

London, Ontario, has so much to offer. From dining and shopping to wineries and theater, it’s just a great place to get away for a couple of days or a couple of weeks! And speaking of theater, “Fiddler on the Roof” is kicking up its heels for one night only — January 30 — at the John Labatt Centre in beautiful downtown London.
Presented by Broadway in London, the North American tour stars John Preece as Tevye. Tevye’s wrestling with the new customs of a younger generation is punctuated by an unforgettable score that weaves the haunting strains of “Sunrise, Sunset” and the rousing “If I Were A Rich Man” with the exuberant “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and triumphant “Tradition.” When his daughters choose suitors who defy his idea of a proper match, Tevye comes to realize, through a series of incidents that are at once comic and bittersweet, that his children will begin traditions of their own.
Preece has performed in “Fiddler on the Roof” over 3,400 times, more than 1,700 of which were in the role of Tevye the milkman.
A perennial hit since it first opened in 1964, “Fiddler on the Roof” has enjoyed critical acclaim for bringing to the stage a poignant story about the enduring bonds of the family. Now, the national touring production of this timeless musical brings the wit and wisdom of Tevye and his family to audiences throughout the United States and Canada.
Fiddler on the Roof will be at the RBC Theatre at the John Labatt Centre for one performance only at 7:30 p.m. Monday, January 30. Tickets are available by calling 1-866-455-2849, online at www.JohnLabattCentre.com or by visiting the John Labatt Centre Box Office. Ticket prices range from $50 to $65, plus convenience charges, and dinner packages featuring dinner at Talbot Bar & Grille are also available.
For more information about the show, please visit http://johnlabattcentre.com/calendar/012012-30.html. And, for helpful information on planning a quick getaway to London, visit www.londontourism.ca.
Doug English
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Bryan Lavery
Diners Journal
Sherri Telenko
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Joe Kirchmyer
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