The Coast Messiah choir invites you to sing along with one of the most popular pieces of classical music ever composed, Handel’s Messiah. Written in 1741 by George Handel, with words – in English – compiled by Charles Jennens from biblical scripture and the Book of Common Prayer, the stirring oratorio has been a staple Christmas and Easter concert in the centuries since. The sing-along section is called the Hallelujah Chorus, and if any piece of music will bring a tear to your eye and make your neck hairs stand on end, it’s this one. The Coast Messiah Orchestra will lead from the stage area and will feature local soloists. Choir members will be scattered among the audience to help encourage everyone. It’s on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. at shíshálh Nation Hall in Sechelt. Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 advance, available at Sechelt Visitor Centre, Laedeli Gifts, and at brownpapertickets.com
Carol sing-along
On Sunday Dec. 23, you also can join in a Christmas carol sing-along with Verna Chan. Carol sheets will be provided. It’s from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Gibsons Public Market, 473 Gower Pt. Rd. Admission by donation.
Dance-along
Enjoy learning traditional folk and contemporary dances to music from around the world. Dances “range from lively and joyful to healing and reflective.” Everyone is welcome and no experience is needed. Friday, Dec. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Roberts Creek. Contact Sarah at [email protected] for more information and specifics on the venue. Admission is by donation.
Merry Karaoke
Coasters are invited to “come sing your little hearts out… at an amazing karaoke party,” on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. at 101 Brewhouse, 1009 Gibsons Way. $5 at the door. It’s also karaoke night at the Sechelt Legion.
Live music
Piano stylist Bill Ward will play “a wide range of music, from Broadway to blues, Celtic to country, as well as sing-along Christmas songs,” accompanied by guitarist Peter Hill and Pam Girone on vocals, at Gibsons Public Market Saturday, Dec. 22 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
On Saturday night, Dec. 22, it’s C-Goat and the Inglis Warriors at the Roberts Creek Legion. $8 for members, $15 for non-members.
Also Saturday night, Ron Campbell will entertain on guitar, piano and vocals at a bluesy Christmas Party at the Backeddy Pub in Egmont from 6 to 9 p.m. Slip a little something into the tip jar for Ron.
On Sunday, Dec. 23, the Blue Line Duo play at the Lighthouse pub from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Folksinger Bonar Harris is the featured musician at the Gibsons Public Market, Thursday, Dec. 27, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
And recording artist Daniel Wesley and the Reggae Dance Party Band heat up Roberts Creek Hall on Saturday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets $25 through eventbrite.com.
Submissions
We won’t be back until the new year, but if you have an event you’d like considered for Art Beat, please let Rik know by 11 a.m. Tuesday at [email protected]. Space is limited.
