Bobbyisms: Giving back by supporting live music

I write about random things a lot. I write a lot about random things. Although the shadow of exams may yet loom over the next couple of weeks for you, it's safe to say the worst of the semester is over now.

And while you may be looking forward to putting three months of classes and assignments behind you, you shouldn't rush to get away from the city too fast. There is still plenty left to do on campus and off before the school officially closes, and whether you're staying close to London for the break or travelling away, there are a few exciting shows happening in this month that are worth making your plans around.

To start, London ska-punk cornerstone Angry Agency has reunited to perform a special one-time concert to benefit the London Food Bank as they face their busiest time of the year. The band has long supported the music community that fostered them, and on December 13 they take the stage for the first time in years in effort to give back to the city they love.

Angry Agency formed in 1999, years ahead of both the commercial attention that ska-punk would begin to receive in Ontario — that would help to fuel the success of several GTA-based acts in years to come — and also even of Google and its preservatory web revolution of blogs, music streaming and digital sales. And while they didn't invent the medium, they sculpted their sound and made a name for themselves, touring across the country twice over the course of 10 years and three studio albums.

Although they played their farewell show here in London early in 2008, the seven-piece band has come together to headline a one-time reunion show this month to generate donations for the London Food Bank for the holidays. The night hints at being one to remember; in addition to local acts Texas King and The New Outcasts, a surprise performer has yet to be announced to join the lineup.

Admission to the Angry Agency benefit reunion show on December 13 at Call The Office is $5 plus a canned food item. Show begins at 9 p.m.

Should exams or poor weather somehow keep you from attending that show, you may also be interested to know about the Third Annual Twisted Christmas happening at the London Music Hall on December 20, also benefitting the London Food Bank. London rock bands Searching For Satellites, Akratics — a newly minted band featuring members of Baptized In Blood — and Foxfight are coming together to celebrate the holidays and gather non-perishable food items.

Keeping in the tradition began by Cancer Bats and Baptized in Blood in 2011, performers at this show have put together a special tribute set to monster rock bands that inspired them: Searching For Satellites will perform the music of Thrice; Akratics will honour Good Riddance with their set; and Foxfight will pay homage to early Silverchair. It's safe to say this night will never be repeated, so don't miss your chance to witness local music history.

Admission for the Third Annual Twisted Christmas at the London Music Hall is $10 and a non-perishable food item. The event is licensed/all ages, doors open at 9 p.m.

Between school finishing and planning for your holiday, you've got a lot of your mind. Make it easier to be informed about live music in the city by keeping in touch with venues like Call The Office (@call_the_office), the London Music Hall (@londonmusichall) and the APK (@apklondon) on Facebook or Twitter to get notifications of these above and many more exciting shows directly.

And for more of the latest music news, show previews and album streams, consider following this column on Twitter @fsu_bobbyisms. If you're sticking around for the school break and feeling inspired by the benefit shows above, consider visiting londonfoodbank.ca to learn additional ways you can volunteer and help make a difference in the community. Have a safe holiday, I'm out of words.