Saturday's top pick

TANJONG PAGAR ART CLUB 25TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

View 50 artworks of various mediums by members of the Tanjong Pagar Art Club at this exhibition celebrating the club's 25th anniversary.

Where: Tanjong Pagar Community Club, Art Gallery, Yan Kit Toad MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Till Sun , 11am - 6pm Admission: Free Tel: 6223-6847

Anniversary

ELVIS PRESLEY'S 74TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Fans of rock icon Elvis Presley can celebrate his 74th birthday anniversary with an eight-course Chinese dinner, performances by Singapore's own Elvis Presley Wilson David and singers from the Singapore First Elvis Fan Club and catch a screening of Presley's Aloha From Hawaii concert.

Where: Hotel Royal, Jade Room, 36 Newton Road

MRT: Novena When: Jan 8, 5.30 - 11pm (5.30pm: screening of Elvis Presley's Aloha From Hawaii concert with dinner starting at 7pm) Admission: $40 Tel: 9686-3806 (Daniel Chan) Info: There will be lucky draws and quizzes E-mail dcelvis_meetup@yahoo.com.sg to book or visit www.elvis_meetup.com/169/about

Art

'KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE' ART EXHIBITION

This art exhibition features the works of seven up-and-coming local illustrators who showcase their life stories and interpretation of the concept of 'dreams'.

Where: The Arts House Gallery, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Tue , 10am - 8pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-6919 Info: www.keepthedreamalive.yolo.sg

Charity

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

Take part in an islandwide art competition and auction on art pieces in aid of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

Where: The Arts House, Gallery, Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Tue , 10am - 8pm Admission: Free Info: www.yolo.sg

PARAGON CHARITY GIFT HOUSE

Make a $15 donation to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and pick up a token gift in exchange at the Charity Gift House at Paragon shopping centre.

Where: Paragon shopping centre, Orchard Road

MRT: Somerset When: Till Fri , 10am - 10pm

Tel: 6738-5535 Info: www.paragon.com.sg

ADOPT A PRECIOUS SCHOOL POCKET MONEY FUND BEAR

Support The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. Adopt a Precious School Pocket Money Fund bear for only $2.

Where: Suntec City Mall, Tropics, Level 3, 3 Temasek Boulevard MRT: City Hall When: Till Dec 28, 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6825-2668

Info: www.sunteccity.com.sg

WILL THE BULL CHARGE IN THE YEAR OF THE OX? (FENG SHUI FOR 2009)

Get insights from feng shui Grand Master Raymond Lo from Hong Kong on the coming Chinese Year of the Ox at this talk by Singapore Pools and help a worthy cause. When you buy a premium ticket at $68 for this session, the Singapore Pools will donate $50 to the President's Challenge 2009 which helps more than 40 charities.

Where: Singapore Conference Hall, Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall, 7 Shenton Way MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Jan 8, 7.30 - 9.15pm Admission: $20 (standard ticket) & $68 (pemium ticket) Tel: 6786-6688 Info the premium ticket includes a special pre-event dinner, a private group interaction session with Raymond Lo and a goodie bag. Visit www.singaporepools.com.sg

Christmas

XMAS CLASSICS By SINGAPORE WIND SYMPHONY

Celebrate Christmas at the Singapore Botanic Gardens on Sunday with the Singapore Wind Symphony and the Santa Maria Choir here which will perform Christmas favourites, such as The Little Drummer Boy, What Child Is This and The Nutcracker Suite.

Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Shaw Foundation Stage, Cluny Road MRT: Orchard When: Sun , 6pm Admission: Free Tel: 9027-0315

CHRISTMAS@KATONG/JOO CHIAT

Catch Christmas floats and watch free outdoor music and dance performances at The Odeon Katong from today till Sunday as well as a Chinese drama, Life No Take 2, at the Cornerstone Community Church Auditorium inside the building on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday form a team of four to take part in an Amazing Katong Race or re-live childhood games such as five stones and chatek. Organised by the Cornerstone Community Services Centre.

Where: The Odeon Katong, Front Plaza, 11 East Coast Road MRT: Paya Lebar When: Sat - Sun , 11am -10.30pm with nightly performances from 7 - 10pm) (the Chinese drama is at 7pm on Sat & Sun Admission: Free (pay $10 for the Chinese drama and $5 a team to join the Katong Amazing Race at 5pm on Sat Tel: 6344-7321 Info: check out daily food and merchandise bazaars, free dental and health checks and healthy workout for senior citizens Visit www.cornerstoneservices.org.sg

A JAZZY CHRISTMAS

- NOEL SAMBA BOSSA NOVA

This Christmas, Singapore's King of Swing Jeremy Monteiro jams with legendary harmonica player Toots Thielemans and Polish-American singer Grazyna Aguscik.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall

When: Sat , 7.30pm Admission: $43 - $83

Tel: 6348-5555

CHRISTMAS @ BUONA VISTA

Have fun at this two-day carnival featuring food, games, merchandise and other activities. Catch the floats and stage performances, including hip-hop dance, stage magic, kompang percussion, Yuletide songs by an acappella group (Agapella Christmas 2008) and street soccer competition.

Where: Block 2 Amphitheatre, Holland Close MRT: Buona Vista When: Sat & Sun , 11am - 10pm daily (Sun (Dec 21), 8.25 & 9.25pm (Agapella Christmas 2008) Admission: Free Tel: 6469-0715

'BETHLEHEM' - AN EVENING OF SACRED MUSIC FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

Celebrate Christmas at this evening of sacred music for Advent and Christmas by the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Under the baton of Peter Low.

Where: Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Queen Street MRT: City Hall When: Sun , 8pm Admission: all are welcome but no admission to children under eight. Info: To reserve a seat, donate to the Cathedral Restoration Fund. E-mail propontifice@yahoo.com

CHRISTMAS WITH THE BELLZ

Enjoy traditional Christmas songs, such as Frosty The Snowman and Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer as well as familiar Asian tunes, such as Burong Kakak Dua, performed with traditional English handbells by the Ministry of Bellz, Singapore's first independent handbells ensemble.

Where: Young Musicians' Society Auditorium, 54 Waterloo Street MRT: Bugis When: Sun , 3.30pm Admission: $12 Tel: SMS 9660-0947 or call 9183-7244

ANOTHER CRAZY CHRISTMAS

Singapore's top performing talent, including the Dim Sum Dollies, comprising Selena Tan, Pam Oei and Emma Yong, comedian Hossan Leong and husband-and-wife thespians Lim Kay Siu and Neo Swee Lin, will entertain at this Crazy Christmas show. Lim and Neo will perform an original song titled That Special Someplace, written by Lim.

Where: Suntec Theatre, Suntec Singapore, Level 2 MRT: City Hall When: Mon - Dec 22, 8pm including 3pm matinees on Sat & Sun

Admission: $41 -$71

Tel: 6348-5555, Info: www.dreamacademy.com.sg

Classical

KEAT HONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA YOUTH CONCERT 2008

Enjoy melodious pieces by young soloists from the Keat Hong Chinese Orchestra who perform with traditional instruments, such as the quanzi (similar to a horn) and erhu (two-string fiddle).

Where: DBS Auditorium, DBS Building, Shenton Way MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Sat , 7pm Admission: $12 Tel: 9297-4505 Info: E-mail queeniequek@hotmail.com

Club

A SMOKY X'MAS WITH HAVANA BROWN TRIO

Enjoy mulled wine with Yuletide jazz - a selection of Christmas gems, good-ol' swing, soulful blues and bossa nova classics - by home-grown jazz band Havana Brown Trio at this gig featuring vocalist Michelle Chua who is accompanied by pianist L. Lee and guitarist Amos Tadete.

Where: The Old Brown Shoe, a pub at 619F Bukit Timah Road next to Coronation Plaza MRT: Newton When: Sat , 8.30pm- 10.30pm Admission: Free (pay for food and drinks) Tel: 6468-4626/9225-1005

Contest

ZUPREEM PARROT/CHILDREN COLOURING COMPETITION

Catch 140 parrots participating in this parrot contest which is divided into five categories - Lovebirds, Cockatiel, Budgerigar, Open and Best Trick. You can learn how to handle them properly and learn about proper pet keeping. It is being held together with a children's colouring competition.

Where: The Serangoon Community Club, Serangoon North Avenue 1 MRT: Ang Mo Kio When: Sun , 9am - 4pm Admission: Free (registration has closed but viewers are welcome) Tel: 9173-3333

Dance

THE NUTCRACKER

A mega-production by the Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) about a girl and her adventures after she receives a nutcracker doll (right). In celebration of SDT's 20th anniversary, with Singapore Press Holdings as the silver anniversary sponsor.

Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Till Sat , 8pm Admission: $51 - $141 Tel: 6348-5555

Film

SHINE A LIGHT (M18)

See The Rolling Stones, 'the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band' as you have never seen them before in this concert documentary by Academy Award-winning film-maker Martin Scorsese. Part of Run and Re-run!

Where: The Arts House, Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat , 4.30pm, Dec 27, 6.30pm. Dec 28, 7pm Admission: $8.50pm Tel: 6339-6919

THE ELEPHANT AND THE SEA (SFS TALKIES) (M18)

This award-winning film by Malaysian director Woo Ming Jin is tracks the lives of two people after a mysterious water-borne disease strikes a coastal village in northern Malaysia.

Where: The Picture House, Handy Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sat , 1pm followed by a post-screening discussion with the director Admission: Free for members of the Singapore Film Society (you can sign up as a member at the door by paying $50 for three months, $60 for six months or $90 for a year) Tel: 9017-0160 Info: www.sfs.org.sg

C.R.A.Z.Y. (M18)

This film which comes with great sound tracks by David Bowie, Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones, is about a man who is born different from his brothers. Part of Run and Re-Run!, a film programme highlighting selected films and re-runs on a thematic basis each month.

Where: The Arts House, Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat : 8.30pm, Sun , 6.30pm & Dec 28, 4.30pm Dec 26 & 30, 7.45pm, Admission: $8.50 Tel: 6339-6919

JUNO (NC16)

This film is about a teenaged girl who has to deal with pregnancy and relationships. Part of Run and Re-run!

Where: The Arts House, Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat & Dec 27, 4.30pm & Sun , 4.30pm Admission: $8.50 Tel: 6339-6919

THE DAYS (PG)

Directed by Boi Kwong, this film based on a true story is about a man who introduces his younger brother into a gang.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1 -12, 11B Mount Sophia MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sat , 4.45pm Admission: $8 Tel: 6336-9707

Info: www.sinema.sg/oldschool

FEET UNBOUND (PG)

Directed by Ng Khee Jin, this film is about a young woman who traces the footsteps of Chinese female soldiers of The Long March and encounters stories of courage and hope in the face of deprivation and brutality.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1 -12, 11B Mount Sophia MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sat , 2.30pm Admission: $8

PULAU HANTU (PG)

Directed by Esan Sivalingam, this film is about a group of rag-tag soldiers who inadvertently disturb a grave site.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1-12, 11B Mount Sophia

MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sun , 2.45pm Admission: $8

VEIL OF DREAMS/THE TROUBLE WITH WAITING (PG)

The first film is about football in Iran, a game which has gained much popularity among women while the other film is based on the 1975 Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia. Directed by Zahirat Banu Codelli.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1 - 12, 11B Mount Sophia MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sun ), 9.50pm Admission: $8

CITY SHARKS (PG)

This film is about a man who teams up with two orphan friends to collect debts owed to a dead loan shark.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1 - 12, 11B Mount Sophia MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sun ), 4.45pm Admission: $6

Gig

ORIGINAL SOULS

This annual showcase is by students of Replugged Music, a local music school.

Where: The Arts House, Earshot, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat , 7.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-6919

HONESTLY LING, NICK IS COLD

Local folk singer Ling Kai performs tunes from her debut album while guest singer Nick Chim explores his relationship with his father in his songs.

Where: The Other Side, 66 Rowell Road MRT: Little India When: Sat , 8 - 10pm Admission: by donation Info: veryangrybeaver@hotmil.com and darengoh@gmail.com

PROJECT BREAKOUT (VOL.2)

This year-end local musical performance showcases music by local bands, such as Myriad, Weekend Vacancy, J.M-Kai, Lemon and Hidama.

Where: Potong Pasir Community Club, Potong Pasir Avenue 2 MRT: Potong Pasir When: Sat , 4pm (showcase), 6pm (main show) Admission: $15 at the door, $10 (presales) Info: http://project-breakout.blogspot.com

Holidays

WAKEBOARD CAMP

A camp for children aged nine and above to learn the ropes from professional wakeboarding coaches.

Where: Maxout Hydrosports, a premier seasports centre at Raffles Marina, 10 Tuas West Drive MRT: Boon Lay

When: Mon , Wed ) & Dec 26 or Dec 29, 31 & Jan 2 (beginners' camp), Jan 5, 7 & 9 next year (intermediate camp) Admission: $410 per camper, including all wakeboarding gear, snacks and drinks Tel: 6869-2291

Reading

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS BOOK READING

Award-winning author Emily Lim will read from her third and latest children's book, Just Teddy - a tale about love and acceptance featuring a lonely teddy bear - at the launch of the book. She will also read from her first two books, Prince Bear & Pauper Bear about a teddy bear who cannot talk, and The Tale Of Rusty Horse about a rocking horse who wishes to be a real horse.

Where: Great World City, Basement, entrance of Food Junction MRT: Orchard When: Sat & Dec 27, 1 - 2.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6736-2030

Shopping

ST701 & GARDENASIA - CAR BOOT SALE

Browse car boots filled with an eclectic mix of goodies. Family-friendly activities and contests also await you.

Where: Gardenasia, 240 Neo Tiew Crescent MRT: Kranji When: Sat & Sun , 10am - 7.30pm Admission: Free

Tel: 6319-8929 Info: Individuals and companies can also sell their second-hand or new items there. Visit www.st701.com/gakidsbootisale

Theatre

DREAM OF HAN DAN (YUE OPERA)

This Yue Opera, about a down-and-out scholar and an immortal, captures the seamy side of officialdom in a feudal society. Adapted from Tang Xian Zu's famous work by Dr Chua Soo Pong, this Chinese Opera Institute production is directed by Madam Shui Xiao Yan from China.

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City Hall When: Sat , 8pm Admission: $38 Tel: 6348-5555

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

This beloved fairy tale is given a twist and accompanied by side-splitting gags and snazzy songs. Directed by Hossan Leong, this Wild Rice production features Sebastian Tan as The Queen and Elena Wang as Snow White.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street MRT: City Hall/Bugis When: Till Sat , 2.30 & 7.30pm Admission: $41 - $62 Tel: 6348-5555

DO NOT DISTURB - LATE CHECKOUT, PLEASE (M18)

Singapore actress Tan Kheng Hua makes her directorial debut with two doublebills, including Teacher's Day & Brunch, which explores themes about illicit love, claustrophobia and revenge.

Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio MRT: City Hall When: Sat & Sun , 3 & 8pm Admission: $38 Tel: 6348-5555

Web

BRUSH UP YOUR ENGLISH

Fine-tune your language skills with English As It Is Broken!

Info: Visit english.stomp.com.sg/english/index.jsp

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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