The Center for the Arts and Music in the Mountains are gearing up for holiday celebrations and concerts featuring local and international talent. As the renovation enters its final stages, The Center is excited to team up with Music in the Mountains to bring a variety of musical events to the community. From choirs to bluegrass and traditional holiday music to jazz, there is something for everyone. You can celebrate among the pines of the Nevada County Fairgrounds, atop the hill at Foothills Event Center, or in the heart of downtown Grass Valley at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
The season kicks off on Sunday, December 8th with a 7:30 pm show at the Vets Hall with what promises to be another spellbinding performance from Storm Large. Large got her start in the clubs of San Francisco and gained recognition on the CBS show “Rock Star: Supernova.” Now based in Seattle, she takes her solo show on the road, performing rock, blues, jazz, and lounge for her faithful fans. Expect a mix of originals, covers, and holiday tunes for this “Holiday Ordeal” presented by The Center for the Arts. [tickets]
Experience Appalachia with Grammy-winner Mark O’Connor. He spent some time here in Nevada City and returnswith his band to perform songs from their album An Appalachian Christmas. Mark is joined by family members; Maggie, Forrest, and Kate Lee, as well as National Flatpick Guitar Champion Joe Smart and Michael Rinne on upright bass. The iconic fiddler puts on an engaging, dynamic show featuring compelling arrangements, virtuoso solos, and tight vocal harmonies. This show starts at 8:00 pm at The Foothills Event Center on Saturday, December 14th, as a part of The Center for the Arts OnTheGo series. [tickets]
Bay Area record label, Windham Hill celebrates the 35th anniversary of their Winter Solstice acoustic album series. The Center for the Arts welcomes founder and Grammy-winning guitarist Will Ackerman and Grammy Award-nominated singer, fiddler, pianist, and songwriter Barbara Higbie, as they come together with Todd Boston and Mia Pixley to lead this joyous holiday concert. The release of the “Winter Solstice” album is a tradition that Windham Hill follows every holiday season. The unique sounds and boundaries that Windham Hill has created through each album have received well-deserved recognition around the world. The show starts at 7:30 pm at Amaral Center at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on Thursday, December 19th. [tickets]
On Friday, December 20th, you’ll find Irish Christmas in America on the same stage for a 1:00 matinee performance of Irish music, song, and dance. The Center for the Arts invites you to bring the whole family to enjoy the holiday performance, vendors, and more with discounted tickets for youth 12 and under. [tickets]
Immerse yourself in the sounds of the season with Music in the Mountains (MIM) Choral Concerts featuring the MIM Festival Chorus, MIM Youth Chorus, and MIM Festival Orchestra. There will be two performances of “‘Home for the Holidays,” 7:30 pm Friday, December 20 and 2:00 pm Saturday, December 21, both at Amaral Center at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Bring your family and friends and start your holiday celebration early. Tickets start at $19 and children under 18 are free. [tickets]
Tickets for the MIM Holiday Choral Concerts are available online at www.musicinthemountains.org, the MIM box office, 131 S. Auburn Street, Grass Valley, or by calling 530.265.6124. Tickets for The Center for the Arts shows are available at www.thecenterforthearts.org, as well as the Box Office located at 998 Plaza Drive in Grass Valley. Celebrate the season by enjoying the many cultural opportunities our local arts organizations provide.
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Since 2000, The Center for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, has grown into a leading presenter of music, dance, theater, comedy, literary and visual art, and family programming. Typically, the Center presents more than 150 events per year from its location in downtown Grass Valley. The Center is currently underway in a major renovation of its multi-use 21,000 square foot facility in downtown Grass Valley. After the renovation, the Center will have a 490 seat main theater, a large visual art gallery, classroom space, and a 90-seat black box theater. For more information about the renovation, please reach out to The Center’s Executive Director, Amber Jo Manuel.
Founded in 1982. Music in the Mountains is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Nevada County by presenting outstanding performances of predominantly classical music and by offering educational opportunities for youth and adults in music appreciation, performance and composition. Fueled by hundreds of volunteers and donors, the organization includes the Festival Orchestra, with 55 players from around the country, and the 85-voice Festival Chorale. For more information, visit www.musicinthemountains.org.
For more information please contact:
Melissa Clark, Marketing Manager
marketing@thecenterforthearts.org
