Several local arts venues are offering Christmas entertainment this Saturday and Sunday, ranging from a nostalgic musical comedy to festive jazz and orchestral favorites.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Jeff Hamilton Jazz Trio
The world-class drummer, a Richmond High School graduate, will present a holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Reid Center, 1004 N. A St., Richmond.
Hamilton has accompanied artists ranging from Diana Krall to the late Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole and Mel Torme.
The $40 tickets are available at reidcenter.org or at Old National Road Welcome Center, 5701 National Road E., Richmond. For more information, call 765-966-7618.
‘Away in the Basement’
Civic Hall Performing Arts Center will host a nationally touring musical comedy at 7:30 p.m.
It is part of “The Church Basement Ladies” series of shows about 1960s Midwest life, based on a 1990s book.
The kitchen ladies suddenly are called upon to again step in and save the Sunday School Christmas program.
Tickets are $40 for adults and $32 for students. Group rates are available. They can be reserved at 765-973-3350 or civichall.com, or bought at the door.
Joyful concert
Earlham College’s orchestra and concert choir, Indiana University East Chorale, community singers and Richmond Symphony Orchestra members will perform joyful classical music including John Rutter’s “Gloria,” Benjamin Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb” and Jean Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 2.”
It’s also the debut for Earlham professor and conductor Forrest Tobey’s “Finding Peace,” which he composed for orchestra and interactive electronic sounds.
Tickets are free for the 7:30 p.m. concert at the campus’ Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 801 National Road W., but are required because of limited seating. It will be live streamed at earlham.edu/event/orchestra-and-choir/
Sunday, Dec. 3
Community orchestra heads to Centerville
Richmond Community Orchestra will perform a variety of seasonal favorites, ranging from “Nutcracker” selections to medleys of popular Christmas tunes.
They’ll play some contemporary arrangements of traditional works, such as Manheim Steamroller’s version of “Silent Night” called “Stille Nacht.” However, there are a few surprises, such as a unique version of “Sleigh Ride” that has little in common with Leroy Anderson’s famous composition.
The orchestra, featuring teenagers, working professionals and retirees from several area counties, aims to reach a broader audience by performing at 3:30 p.m. in Centerville Senior High School’s auditorium, 507 Willow Grove Road, Centerville. Admission is free; donations are welcome.
Community members offer gospel songs
Gospel Revelations Choir aims to “enrich your soul and move your hands and feet” with its 7 p.m. concert.
The performance takes place at Earlham College’s Carpenter Hall. Admission is free and no tickets are required. It can be live streamed at earlham.edu/event/orchestra-and-choir/.
A version of this article appeared in the November 29 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.