Winter Activities, Festivals & Concerts
Ornaments, lights and other holiday decor add to the tradition of the season. (Photo morguefile.com) Holiday events abound in our area. If you love listening to music, admiring works of art or creating delicious food, there should be something around town to interest you or your family and friends. You can check our Community Calendar for more local events. Dates: November 8-December 20, 2008 Heartland Artists Gallery will feature their Holiday Gift Shop with an opening reception. The gift shop will remain open in the Gallery until December 20. A variety of handmade gifts and artwork will be available from Heartland Artists members. You won’t find any “Made in China” gifts at this shop. Purchase a “Handmade in Indiana” gift and support a local artist as well as Heartland Artists Gallery. Holiday Mud Dates: November 17-December 21, 2008 Did you vow to make only hand made gifts for the holiday season this year? This short course guarantees to fill that commitment. Hand build or wheel thrown, both will enable you to create the perfect gift and add to your holiday décor. There are several projects to choose from: bread baskets, utensil holder, wine chillers, votives, bowls and other wares. Come in and enhance your holidays and sling some holiday mud. Instructor: Laura Miller Express Arts Holiday Train Dates: November 17-December 21, 2008 Learn how to express your creativity for the holidays with art. The ARTS TRAIN will take you on an exciting ride through a multitude of media. The class will focus on small-scale paper arts, 2-D block printing and resist painting that could be used as holiday cards or gifts. Instructor: Candie Waterloo. Suitable for ages 6-8. Holiday Family Clay Workshop Dates: November 17-December 21, 2008 Make great holiday memories together in clay! Cookie platters, serving dishes, gifts, and ornaments for your family! All projects are designed with kids and adults in mind. Various handbuilding techniques will be explored. Instructor: Kari Black Snowman Sculpture & Holiday Cards for Preschoolers & Parents Dates: November 17-December 21, 2008 Frosty the Card Man was a very happy artist! Process, process, process is the key for this age group. Miss Laurie will teach about color and cutting during this class while getting everyone in the holiday spirit. Be prepared for you little one to explore the arts and make their own Frosty while you chase after them. Instructor: Laurie Rousseau. Suitable for ages 3-6. Giftmaking Galore Dates: November 18-December 9, 2008 Explore holiday gift giving traditions and create handmade gifts for all occasions. From ornaments and cards to magical stuffed creatures, family and friends will love these thoughtful creations. Instructor: Nicole Rimes 3rd Annual Winter Boutique Dates: November 22-December 7, 2008 The 3rd annual Winter Boutique is open for holiday shopping just in time for early shoppers. This distinctive sale of art work created by students and faculty at the SBMA is a great source for unique and affordable gifts. From pottery to photography, and everything in between you will find something artsy for that creative person on your list. All the work is created by local artists and proceeds from the sale go towards purchasing new equipment for the museum's studios. Support the arts in your community...go shopping at the Winter Boutique! Please join us for the Holiday Art Walk on December 6. The SBMA is just one of the many stops along the Holiday Art Walk in downtown South Bend. Enjoy a festive and merry day shopping the many art studios and galleries located in downtown. What a fun way to partake in warm refreshments and holiday cheer! Holiday Art Walk Date: December 1, 2007 Art music food and fun are plentiful. Explore eight galleries on the Colfax Avenue and Lincoln Way West Arts Corridors in downtown South Bend. It's the perfect time to discover local and regional artists and find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift.
Holiday Choral/Orchestral Concert Date: December 3, 2008 The Elkhart Central High School Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir, Shades of Blue Show Choir, and Blazer Chorale, will perform varied selections, culminating in a combined choral/orchestral selection. Orchestras are conducted by Kyle Weirich and choirs are conducted by Misty Grubbs and William Niederer. In the Holiday Spirit Cooking Class Dates: December 4, 2008 The holidays are the perfect time to incorporate spirits into your favorite recipes. Join Chef Scott Rossen as he adds a little "fun" to your party food. From brandy to Frangelico, Chef Scott's dishes will surprise and delight you. Come get inspired to try something new at your next holiday get together, and have some fun while you do it! Menu will include Brandy Walnut Glazed Brie, Bourbon Glazed Ham, Grand Marnier Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Sauteed Green Beans a la Frangelico and Cherries Jubilee. Tickets are available for purchase at the customer service counter of our Heritage Square location in Mishawaka.
Christopher's Christmas Date: December 5, 2008 Info Phone: (574) 247-1590 Michiana's own, original holiday tradition continues to delight entire families and marks the beginning of the holiday season. Exciting dancing, colorful costumes and sets combine to put "Christopher's Christmas" at the top of your holiday "To Do" list. The action revolves around young Christopher Mouse and how he tries to rekindle the joy of the season in the cynical heart of his Great Uncle. His efforts take them, as well as the audience, on a journey that includes an on-stage snowfall, a toyland that comes alive, the shadowy world of alley cats and the enchantment of a nativity play. Performances in Elkhart and South Bend provide easy access for the entire Michiana community.
Winter Exhibition Reception & Holiday in the Gallery Date: December 5, 2008 Have a jolly great time at this exhibition reception for Dick Lehman's "In Pursuit of Beauty: Microcosm and the Exquisite" on view in the Art League Gallery and the SBMA Student/Faculty Exhibition in the Community Gallery. There will be a one-of-a-kind holiday performance by jazz legend Martha Lorin (made possible by Lampkin Music Group). There is special exhibition fee to view "Iconic America: Visionary Americans 1860 to Present" in the Warner Gallery, all other galleries are free. Winter Boutique is open to the public. Complimentary refreshements will be served.
A Great Light - Bethel College Concert Choir Date: December 5 The concert will feature The Concert Choir and Voices of Triumph directed by Robert Ham; Women’s Chorale and The Collegians directed by Jill Hostetler; Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble directed by Vicky Warkentien; and the Mishawaka High School A’cappella choir directed by Rebecca Wilson. Handel’s “Messiah” selections with soloists, choirs and orchestra will highlight the program. Festive carols, traditional and non-traditional pieces, soloists and a candlelight experience will round out this wonderful Christmas program. Tickets are available through the ticket office at 574-807-7080. The Dec. 6 concert at 7:30 p.m. will be interpreted for the d/Deaf community.
Date: December 6, 2008 One of the best-known—and best-loved—holiday traditions for over a century is Charles Dickens’ magical A Christmas Carol. This Charles Jones adaptation springs to life in the beloved stage production of the classic story by the Nebraska Theatre Caravan. In a show filled with dancing, music and excitement, all of the fascinating characters that audiences have come to love, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim, reveal the true heart and soul of the Christmas holiday.
Holiday Art Walk Date: December 6, 2008 Ten local galleries,including Circa Arts Gallery, Piser Designs, Purely Modern, Fire Arts, Inc., The Spurious Fugitive LLC, Crossroads Gallery, South Bend Museum of Art, Studio Arts Center Gallery 805 & Studio 807, Colfax Campus Gallery and, the newest addition, Monroe Street Studios will present artwork for viewing and purchase. There is no admission fee at any of the galleries and the trolley is free. The trolley route will include all the galleries, the Santa House at the College Football Hall of Fame, downtown Bed & Breakfasts and the Museum Campus. Parking is abundant on both the Colfax Ave. and Lincoln Way West arts corridors. The trolley is sponsored by Downtown South Bend, Inc. Santa Breakfast Date: December 6, 2008 This annual children’s event includes a delightful breakfast, personal visit with Santa, stroll through International Trees, holiday scavenger hunt, and more!
Foundation for Music and Healing's Holiday Music Extravaganza Date: December 6, 2008 Tickets: Free and open to the public The Foundation for Music and Healing's exceptional people with special needs will be performing music recitals throughout the day. Christmas Concert – Home for the Holidays Date: December 7, 2008 Our ever-popular Holiday Concert welcomes back Diane Penning, again bringing her ravishing voice and cherished Christmas favorites to Michiana. The South Bend High School Festival Choir, composed of members of all four local high schools, joins her for a holiday afternoon that promises to be unforgettable. And yes, there is a special appearance by a right jolly old elf. Julefest Date: Dec. 7 Traditional and popular songs of the Christmas season will be performed at Valparaiso University’s Julefest: Sounds of the Season concert in the Center for the Arts on campus. The annual Christmas pops concert will feature the University’s Luce Concert Band and Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band. Among the Christmas classics to be performed are a series of Czech Christmas carols arranged by Joel Blahnik, Cesar Franck’s “Panis Angelicus,” Philip Sparke’s arrangement of “Carol of the Shepherds,” Carleton Lee Colby’s “The Toy Shop” and Elliott A. Del Borgo’s “A Christmas Fantasia.” The program will end with the audience joining both bands in a Christmas sing-along of popular Christmas songs. Cozy Holiday Brunch Cooking Class With all the company you've had, you might be getting tired of cooking. Relax! Chef Sara Ivarson will show you delicious and simple recipes perfect for overnight guests. With recipes you can get together the night before and great dishes that require little preparation, your guests will be following their noses to a beautiful breakfast made by a well-rested you! Menu to include Crab & Herb Quiche, Yogurt & Fruit Parfait, Banana Bread, Praline Bacon and Fruit Juice Spritzer. Tickets are available for purchase at our Heritage Square location in Mishawaka.
Santa’s Workshop Gingerbread Village Competition Date: December 13 Calling bakers of all ages; novice, professional or student. Now is the time to start planning your one-of-a-kind gingerbread creation for downtown South Bend’s Santa’s Workshop Gingerbread Village Competition. There will be prizes awarded in seven categories and this year the competition has been expanded to include three specific areas; 1. Gingerbread kit-houses. 2. You-bake custom created gingerbread houses. 3. Novelty gingerbread items. Registration is free and forms are to be turned into DTSB no later than November 30, 2008. Forms are available at; La Candy Shop, The South Bend Chocolate Café, Cooking With Class, Downtown South Bend, Inc., and Ivy Tech Culinary Arts School. Forms can also be downloaded at: www.DtsbSantaHouse.com website or call DTSB at 574-282-1110 for more information or assistance. Entries are to be dropped off at the College Football Hall of Fame on December 5 and 6. The gingerbread village will be on display for public viewing in the lobby of the College Football Hall of Fame from December 6 to December 30.
24th Annual Candlelight Walk Date: December 13 For 24 years, the Michiana community has enjoyed strolling South Bend’s historic Erskine Boulevard each holiday season for the annual Erskine Candlelight Walk. With over 2,600 luminaries lighting the sidewalks of Erskine, the families and neighbors of the boulevard, and the entire Michiana community will fill the streets. The South Bend Fire Department will be on-hand to greet and wish good tidings to the community. Santa Claus and carolers will be visiting the walkers and homes of Erskine Boulevard to spread holiday cheer to children of all ages. The Living Stones will also provide free hot cocoa, cookies and warm, outdoor fire pits for all visitors. This event is free and open to the entire Michiana community. Erskine Boulevard is located between Donmoyer Avenue and Ewing Avenue. South Bend Symphonic Choir & University Chorus Present Holiday Concert Date: December 13 This holiday concert will be conducted by Dean of the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts Marvin Curtis, Ed.D. The choirs will be joined by guest soloist Ivan Griffin of Flint, Mich. and members of the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras and IUSB Philharmonic. The concert will feature Ralph Vaughn Williams’ 1912 choral work, Fantasia on Christmas Carols, featuring baritone soloist Ivan Griffin, a versatile artist whose experiences range from opera to musical theater. He has been praised for his “excellent diction and superb sense of theater” in roles ranging from Count Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro to the baritone soloist in Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies. He has performed with numerous companies throughout the United States and abroad, including Michigan Opera Theater, Buffalo Lyric Opera, South Carolina Opera and Great Lakes Lyric Opera. Mr. Griffin has delighted audiences in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Holland in his recent portrayal of the roles of “Lawyer Frazier” and “Jake” in Gershwin’s beloved Porgy and Bess with New York Harlem Productions. Ivan Griffin holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Southern University, Baton Rouge, La., as a student of Aldrich W. Adkins, and a Master of Music in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, as a student of Seth McCoy. He will also perform The Trumpet Shall Sound from Messiah by Handel. The program will also include Jubilate Deo for double choir and double brass choir by Giovanni Gabriele, Gloria by John Rutter, A Star Shine Rise by Mendelssohn, and an original composition by conductor Marvin Curtis titled, The Word. In addition, the concert has brought about a partnership with the South Bend Police Department. The Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts Box Office is accepting new stuffed animals as payment for concert tickets. The stuffed animals collected will be donated to the South Bend Police Department, who will provide them to children who have suffered traumatic experiences. Date: December 13 The public is invited to attend the 14th annual Holiday at the Pops Concert for an evening of beautiful symphonic music provided by the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, local soloists and the LaPorte Symphony Chorus. Proceeds benefit the Visiting Nurses Association Hosice and other philanthropic selections of the LaPorte Hospital Foundation. Metropolitan Opera Soprano Angela Brown Performs in 'Holiday Traditions' Date: December 13, 2008 World renowned Metropolitan Opera Soprano Angela Brown possesses a powerful voice of “gleaming beauty.” Join the Symphony for a very special evening of festive holiday music featuring Ms. Brown, along with the inspiring All God’s Children Community Choir. A holiday tradition the whole family will enjoy.
Family Wreath Making Date: December 13, 2008 Create a festive holiday wreath as a family. Students will create a unique wreath for the holidays! Felt, construction paper, ribbon, and Styrofoam will all be used to give your wreath a touch of unique style. Move over Martha! Instructor: Laurie Rousseau
The Nutcracker Ballet Dates: December 13-December 14, 2008 This timeless holiday classic returns to thrill and enchant audiences of all ages. Delightful sets and costuming will enhance your travels with Clara as you watch her Nutcracker come to life, see her Christmas tree grow, and travel with her to faraway places. The magical production is sure to awaken the child in you as you join Clara in her Christmas journey. SDT's Nutcracker is the largest and the only full, unabridged Nutcracker production in the Michiana area. Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is one of the most recognizable pieces of classical music ever penned, with the stunning range of emotions and power. So warm up to the holidays with an evening of one of the most charming performances choreographed to one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed. Children's Activity Day: A 19th Century Christmas Date: December 13, 2008 Come experience 19th Century Christmas traditions! Make Christmas ornaments or a card for your family. Help decorate a tree. Sing Christmas carols. Tell Santa what you want for Christmas and listen while he reads you a special Christmas story. Participate in a scavenger hunt and try a tasty Christmas treat. Sing-along Messiah Date: December 14, 2008 A performance of Handel’s Messiah is a popular holiday tradition. In this performance, the audience can sing the choruses along with the chorale and orchestra. Also called a “Scratch Messiah” or a “People’s Messiah”, it has become a tradition among music lovers in the English-speaking world and in the Netherlands. Kathy Mattea's Christmas Date: December 14, 2008 Come celebrate the holidays with the one and only Kathy Mattea! USA Today described Mattea as "one of Nashville's most spiritual singers, and the songs she sings about love lost and humility are as fine as any she has recorded." Mattea's Christmas performance includes her well-known holiday songs such as "Mary, Did You Know?" among others. DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, Leighton Concert Hall. Jim Brickman Holiday Concert Date: December 15, 2008 The warmth and intimacy of Jim Brickman’s holiday concerts have been compared to a gathering of friends and family – a special homecoming – that resonates with the true spirit of Christmas. For over a decade, Jim Brickman’s holiday concerts have been musical homecomings for loyal fans of the dynamic composer, recording artist, radio personality and concert headliner. And every year, new fans discover the magic of Brickman’s piano artistry and his ability to capture the spirit of the season. *Special engagement – Priority Offer for Theater League Members
Michael McDonald Holiday Celebration Date: December 16, 2008 With his husky, soulful baritone, Michael McDonald became one of the most distinctive and popular vocalists to emerge from the laid-back California pop/rock scene of the late '70s. He found the middle ground between blue-eyed soul and smooth soft rock, a sound that made him a star. He toured with Steely Dan and essayed his signature style as lead singer for the Doobie Brothers, ushering in the group's most popular period with hits like "Taking It to the Streets," “Minute by Minute,” and “What a Fool Believes,” which won the 1980 Song of the Year Grammy. In 1983, he had another Top 20 pop hit, Top 10 R&B hit and grammy award winner with his duet with James Ingram, "Yah Mo B There." In 1986 his duet with Patti LaBelle, "On My Own," shot to No. 1. His newest album, “Soul Speak” follows the platinum-selling “Motown” in 2003 which was nominated for two Grammy awards, and the gold-selling “Motown Two” in 2004.
7th Annual New Year's Eve Party Date: December 31, 2008 The Palais Royale is sure to be the HOTTEST SPOT on New Year's Eve! Previous gala events were sold out in the fully renovated and restored elegant 1922 Ballroom - now South Bend's premier event facility! The Pat Heiden Dance Band will be this year's big band. They are known for playing light Rock, Latin, Swing, Dixieland and other Jazz styles, plus traditional Polka and Waltz. Join us on New Year's Eve for a fine dining experience and the opportunity to ring in the New Year on the area's most historic dance floor. Again this year, Black Tie Optional (Tuxedo/Long Gown Optional; Suite and Tie is expected.) SCHEDULE: 8:00 PM - Hors d'oeuvres, 9:00 PM - Fine Dining with 4-course Dinner, 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM - Dancing with The Pat Heiden Dance Band Complimentary Champagne Toast at midnight included with ticket. Full cash bar with specialty wines, champagnes and martini's. party favors and more! Click here for our Community Calendar for a host of additional events and activities.
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