Strombo in his comfort zone with Holiday Music Special

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George Stroumboulopoulos has come a long way since his MuchMusic days.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/12/2011 (5403 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

George Stroumboulopoulos has come a long way since his MuchMusic days.

For four years, back in 2000, the punk from Malton, Ont., perfected his broadcasting persona on MuchMusic as host of The Punk Show, The NewMusic, MuchNews and LOUD. Eventually, he made the jump to CBC television and, in 2005, launched The Hour. Last year, the show changed its name to George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight and moved from a one-hour format to 30 minutes.

What hasn’t changed is its hybrid of news, entertainment, pop culture and politics. Now in his seventh season, Stroumboulopoulos continues to cover all the bases with his guests, welcoming everyone from politicians and activists to entertainers.

George Stroumboulopoulos
George Stroumboulopoulos

On Friday, the show takes a break from its usual format to bring audiences its fourth Holiday Music Special. If the first performance is any indication of what to expect, viewers are in for some serious holiday cheer. The show kicks off with Martin Short’s version of the David Bowie/ Bing Crosby classic duet, Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy, with a little help from George.

If you have yet to hear this holiday mashing of two music giants from 1977, you’re missing out. After you have finished reading this, go to YouTube and take a listen…. You’re welcome.

And if Martin Short isn’t enough, it can’t hurt to have Michael Bublé; the Frank Sinatra for a new generation drops by for a special performance. What he’ll be singing is anyone’s guess, but if Bublé can’t get you in the holiday spirit, then nothing can.

Other musical guests include Paul Anka, Down With Webster, Bedouin Soundclash, Adam Cohen, and more. But it’s not all about music. A few other surprises have been placed under the proverbial tree, featuring Jann Arden, Sebastian Bach, Jamie Oliver and Rick Hansen. And, in the spirit of saving the best for last, Kermit the Frog drops by with some rainbow-coloured holiday wishes of his own.

Grab the candy canes, hot cocoa or spiked eggnog and cap off your night with George Stroumboulopoulos’s Holiday Music Special (CBC, 10:05 p.m.).

— Postmedia News

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