It's one of the traditions without which Christmas would not be complete.
Yes, it's A Child's Christmas in Wales - and you can enjoy it once again this year, thanks to the talents of a New Westminster family.
Colleen Winton and Russell Roberts are bringing their performance of the Christmas classic to the stage on Dec. 18.
It's set for 7:30 p.m. at Canadian Memorial Church, 15th and Burrard, in Vancouver.
The performance - which will include the talents of their sons, Gower and Sayer, as well as some friends - will be set to an original score by local composer Brian Tate.
Tickets at the door are $15/ $10 - cash only. The performance is being held in support of the Street Meals Scholarship Fund.
For details, call 604-253-1707.
A PHOENIX CHRISTMAS
Ah, what's Christmas without a little shameless self-promotion?
Choral music lovers - and anyone who just wants to get into the Christmas spirit - can take in A Phoenix Christmas this weekend.
The Phoenix Chamber Choir is joined by organist Roy Campbell and the Burnaby District Youth Choir for the concert, which features Rihards Dubra's Felix namque es, We Shall Hear the Angels Sing, by Ramona Luengen, Carol of the Magi for choir and cello by John Rutter, and spirited arrangements of favourite carols by Chester Alwes, David Hill and David Willcocks.
It's on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave. in Burnaby, and then again on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. at Shaughnessy Heights United Church, 1550 West 33rd Ave.
And yes, there will be some New Westminster singers involved - besides me in the alto section, you'll also hear tenor Kevin Mattinson and my alto compatriot Barbara Paul, a longtime New Westminster music teacher.
Tickets are $25 regular, $20 for students and seniors or $10 for secondary school students.
Check out www.phoenixchamberchoir.bc.ca or call 604-584-4755 for tickets.
UKE CLUB GATHERING
Are you a fan of the ukulele?
The Heritage Uke Club is inviting everyone to join in the fun at their Christmas party, set for Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. in the backroom of the Heritage Grill.
You can join in for an evening of Christmas songs, featuring Tiny Tim Overdrive, Chopper & Gorehound, and special guests Phil and Theresa-Marie.
There will be a song circle from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and bands from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Cover charge is $5.
The Heritage Uke Club meets every Monday at 7 p.m. (except Boxing Day and Jan. 2) at the Heritage Gril. Check out more about them on Facebook - search for Heritage Uke Club.
Beginner ukulele lessons are available. Contact [email protected] or call 778-895-1409.
TREASURE ROOM OPEN
Looking for something a little extra-special for Christmas?
The Arts Council of New Westminster has opened its 26th annual Treasure Room, running until Dec. 23 at the arts council gallery in Centennial Lodge, Queen's Park.
The Treasure Room features the work of the Lower Mainland's best artisans, including jewelry, raku, pottery, scarves, woven shawls, tree ornaments, Victorian-inspired decorations, books by local authors and more.
It's open from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays), or by appointment - call the arts council office at 604-525-3244 if you'd like to book an evening of treasure hunting with your friends, your co-workers or your club.
Check out the arts council website at www.artscouncilnewwest.org.
WORLD POETRY NIGHT OUT
Love poetry?
You can enjoy a World Poetry Night Out over the holidays.
The events are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, with the next one being Dec. 28.
The night out includes readings by featured poets, as well as an open mike session, a raffle and refreshments.
It's free, and everyone is welcome.
It runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Call 604-526-4729 for information or if you'd be interested in being featured.
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Got an idea for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment items to Julie, [email protected]. You can also follow Julie on Twitter, @juliemaclellan, or check out her blog about the arts scene at www.royalcityrecord.com.
