Bells are ringing: Holiday concerts abound this Christmas seaon

By: North County Times - | Wednesday, November 29, 2006 12:26 PM PST ∞

From bell choirs to big band to barbershop, and from Hawaiian carols and hip-hop to Renaissance madrigals, there's a concert in San Diego County for every musical taste this holiday season. Here's a look at the lineup:

Camerada: Past Masters" ---- Holiday music from the Renaissance, baroque and classical eras; 7 p.m. Friday; Botanica, 2310B Kettner Blvd., San Diego; $50, general; $40, seniors and students; $15, children 12 and under; (619) 231-3702.

San Diego Symphony ---- Jahja Ling conducts the symphony with guest soprano Jennifer Aylmer in a program of Mahler'sSymphony No. 4, Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 and Mozart's "Exsultate Jubilate"; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; $20-$85; (858) 581-2203.

Z90 Jingle Jam ---- with Ludacris, Lil' Jon, Danity Kane, Rihanna, Natalie, Lil' Al, Brown Boy, Mr. Capone-E; 7:30 p.m. Saturday; ipayOne Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego; $48; (619) 220-8497.

Encinitas Christmas Concert ---- Featuring the Westwind Brass, North Coast Singers' Brioso choir, the Cabrillo Chamber Orchestra string quartet, a one-act holiday play by Moxie Theatre, a scene from Janice Lee Youth Ballet's "Nutcracker" production and a community carol sing-along; 3 p.m. Saturday; La Paloma Theatre, 471 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas; free; (760) 633-2746.

"Voices Ringing Out" ---- San Diego Women's Chorus presents its 20th anniversary winter concert; 7:30 p.m. Saturday; University Christian Church, 3900 Cleveland Ave., San Diego; $10-$15; (619) 291-3366.

Palomar Symphony ---- Palomar College presents the orchestra's holiday concert; 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; Howard Brubeck Theatre, Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos; $12, general; $10, seniors; $8, students; (760) 744-1150, Ext. 2453.

"The Gospel Messiah" ---- Church Choir Conference presents Rose Buchanan's adaptation of Quincy Jones' gospel remake of Handel's famous holiday oratorio about the birth of Jesus, featuring 14 singers, two narrators, a dancer, a rapper and musicians who incorporate gospel, classical, jazz, blues and ragtime into the score; 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Foothill United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Road, La Mesa; $15; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Bonita Weslayan Church, 5305 Sweetwater Road, Bonita; $15; (619) 670-8208.

Coastal Communities Concert Band Holiday Concert ---- Featuring vocalist Michael Ruhl and pianist Joseph Valent, the program includes "Sleigh Ride," "Fireside Christmas," Sammy Nestico's "Good Swing Wenceslas and "Warsaw Concerto"; 2 p.m. Sunday; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $15, general; $12.50, children 12 and under; proceeds benefit Meals-On-Wheels; (619) 260-6110.

Barbershop Holiday Concert ---- The Music Men Barbershop Holiday Chorus presents traditional carols and seasonal favorites in full harmony with Carlsbad High School's Caroling Company and the Baker's Dozen ensemble and quartets; 2:30 p.m. Sunday; Carlsbad Community Church, Jefferson and Pine streets, Carlsbad; $12, general; $6, children 18 and under; (760) 726-5615.

Pomerado Community Band 17th Annual Holiday Concert ---- Featuring Alfred Reed's Russian Christmas music and a sing-along; 7 p.m. Sunday; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; $10-$12; (858) 748-0505.

Channel 933's "Your Holiday Show" ---- with Nick Lachey, JoJo, Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, Gym Class Heroes, Ne-Yo, Frankie J, Pussycat Dolls; 6:30 p.m. Wednesday; ipayOne Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego; $30-$75; (619) 220-8497.

Trevor Davis ---- Rock, pop and holiday music; 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; free; (800) 988-4253.

"Christmas Classics" Holiday Concert ---- The San Dieguito United Methodist Chancel Choir will perform holiday classics with violinist Paul Heckman and organist Janice Stewart; 7 p.m. Wednesday; San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas; freewill donations; (760) 753-6582.

Palomar Women's Chorus: "A Warm Winter's Night" ---- Palomar College's choir presents a program of holiday classics and carols; 8 p.m. Dec. 7; Performance Lab (Room D-10), Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos; $5; (760) 744-1150, Ext. 2453.

Robin Spielberg ---- Holiday-themed program on piano; 8 p.m. Dec. 7; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $22-$25; (800) 988-4253.

Courtly Noyse ---- The five-member ensemble performs Renaissance-era holiday music on period instruments; 7 p.m. Dec. 7; Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido; free; (760) 839-4601.

Aimee Mann's First Annual Christmas Show ---- The pop singer/songwriter gets in the holiday spirit; 8 p.m. Dec. 7; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $26-$28; (858) 481-8140.

Jingle Ball ---- With Ace Young, Smash Mouth, Chris Daughtry, Five for Fighting, 3 Doors Down, Jewel; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8; ipayOne Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego; $45-$250; (619) 220-8497.

"Carols by Candlelight" ---- Jamie O'Neal, Jo Dee Messina, Ty Herndon, Hal Ketchum and Buck Howdy present a holiday fund-raiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, followed by a candlelit Christmas carols sing-along outdoors; 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $25-$45; (800) 988-4253.

Windsong: "Christmas Through the Ages" ---- The costumed Renaissance music group performs holiday music from the 13th century to today; 8 p.m. Dec. 8; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $12.50; (800) 988-4253.

FM 94/9's Holiday Hootenanny ---- With Modest Mouse, the Shins, Pete Yorn, Silverspun Pups; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9; RIMAC Arena, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla; $32.50; (619) 220-8497.

"Holiday Spectacular" ----- The North Coast Chorale and MiraCosta College Chamber Chorale perform holiday carols and lullabies, Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" and other holiday music; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; 2 p.m. Dec. 10; First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside, 2001 El Camino Real, Oceanside; $10, general; $7, seniors and students; (760) 757-3560.

Holiday Vocal Recital ---- Vocal students of Becky Rash of Rancho Bernardo will present a free holiday concert; 11:30 a.m. Dec. 9; Carmel Mountain Branch Library 12095 World Trade Drive, San Diego; free; (858) 673-5441.

Makaha Sons Hawaiian Christmas Concert ----- With Darlene Ahuna, Hoku Zuttermeister, Barry Kimokeo and hula dancers; 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9; Mandeville Auditorium, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $37.50-$75; (619) 426-1953.

"Messiah" ---- The Palomar Chorale and Chancel Choir of First Congregational Church present the Christmas portion of Handel's holiday oratorio; 3 p.m. Dec. 10; First Congregational Church, 1800 N. Broadway, Escondido; freewill offering; (760) 744-1150, Ext. 2453.

"A Renaissance Christmas" ---- The Cheshire Singers perform Elizabethan holiday carols in period costume; 6 p.m. Dec. 10; Our Lady of the Rosary Church, State and Date streets, San Diego; free; (619) 234-4820.

"Merry Christmas From the Music Men" ---- Holiday concert featuring the 40-man Palomar Pacific Music Men barbershop chorus with guest artists, the Baker's Dozen, chapter quartets and the Mission Hills High School Chorus; 2 p.m. Dec. 10; San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos; $10, general; $15, reserved; (760) 744-9000.

San Rafael Catholic Church Annual Christmas Concert ----- Features traditional, contemporary and handbell choirs performing songs and carols of the season; 4 p.m. Dec. 10; San Rafael Catholic Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego; free; (858) 487-4314.

"Christmas Messiah-Sing" ---- The La Jolla Symphony and Chorus presents its 28th annual performance of Handel's "Messiah" oratorio; the audience is invited to sing along during the "Hallelujah" chorus; 4 p.m. Dec. 10; St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 6628 Santa Isabel, Carlsbad; $8-$15; (858) 534-4637.

"Rock Before Christmas" ---- with Papa Roach, Saliva, Shinedown, hed(pe), Eighteen Visions, Bullets and Octane; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10; 4th & B, 345 B St., San Diego; $31; (619) 231-4343.

Sound Art Holiday Concert ---- A cappella vocal harmonies including madrigals, holiday classics, carols, jazz and standards; 10 a.m. Dec. 10; LifeWorks Spiritual Center, 799 Pine Ave., Carlsbad; call for tickets; (760) 815-9462.

"91X Nightmare Before Xmas Show" ---- with AFI, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday; 5 p.m. Dec. 10; ipayOne Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego; $34; (619) 220-8497.

Rancho Bernardo High School Holiday Cocnert ---- The Madrigals, women's ensemble, concert choir and beginning women's choir will perform seasonal favorites; 7 p.m. Dec. 12; Rancho Bernardo High School, 13010 Paseo Lucido, Rancho Bernardo; $5; (858) 485-8400.

San Diego North Coast Singers: "Wishes and Candles" ---- The youth choir's 14th annual holiday concert; 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 15; San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas; $12, general; $5, students; (760) 944-1866.

Palomar Concert Band Holiday Concert ---- Palomar College presents a holiday repertoire of contemporary and classic pieces; 8 p.m. Dec. 14; Howard Brubeck Theatre, Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos; $12, general; $10, seniors; $8, students; (760) 744-1150, Ext. 2453.

"Messiah" ---- Jahja Ling conducts the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Master Chorale and vocal soloists in Handel's full-length holiday oratorio; 8 p.m. Dec.15 and 16; 2 p.m. Dec. 17; Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; $20-$85; (619) 235-0804.

"Gloria" ---- The St. Francis Music Ministry presents Vivaldi's "Gloria" with strings and oboe and the combined parish choirs; 7 p.m. Dec. 15; St. Francis Catholic Church, 525 W. Vista Way, Vista; free; (760) 945-8044.

"Fiesta Navidad": Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano ---- Mariachi Christmas music; 8 p.m. Dec. 16; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $28-$45; (800) 988-4253.

"Nutcracker (Men in Tights!)" ---- The Gay Men's Chorus of San Diego presents an all-new holiday show featuring holiday standards, carols, Hanukkah blessings, skits, silly bits and dance; 8 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 p.m. Dec. 17; Sherwood Auditorium, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla; $30-$35; (619) 574-6273.

"Rock 'n' Roll Christmas Tribute to Elvis & the Everly Brothers" ---- Featuring Elvis inpersonator Mark W. Curran & the Cruisin' Oldies Showband; 8 p.m. Dec. 16; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $40; (800) 988-4253.

Pacific Coast Harmony Chorus Holiday Concert ---- Barbershop carols; 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 16; Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Drive, La Jolla; $15, general; $10, military/students; (760) 723-2294.

Alfredo Rolando Ortiz ---- South American harpist performs an international Christmas concert; 2 p.m. Dec. 17; Cole Library Community Room, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad; free on a first-come, first-seated basis; (760) 602-2026.

"Messiah" ---- The San Diego Chamber Orchestra and a full choir perform Handel's full-length holiday oratorio; 2 p.m. Dec. 17; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $18-$32; (800) 988-4253.

San Elijo Chorale Holiday Concert ---- The MiraCosta College San Elijo campus choir will perform John Rutter's "Magnificat" and other holiday favorites; 3 p.m. Dec. 17; San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas; $10, general; $8, seniors/students; (760) 795-6815.

Brian Setzer Orchestra Holiday Extravaganza 8 p.m. Dec. 17; Pavilion Theatre, Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort, 777 Harrah's Rincon Way, Valley Center; sold out; (866) 468-3399.

San Diego Symphony Holiday Pops ---- Matthew Garbutt conducts the symphony, the San Diego Master Chorale, the San Diego Children's Choir and Crusader Bells in a holiday pops program; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21; 8 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23; Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; $20-$65; (619) 235-0804.

San Diego Symphony Holiday Pops Family Concert ---- Matthew Garbutt conducts the symphony, the San Diego Master Chorale, the San Diego Children's Choir and Crusader Bells in a one-hour holiday concert suited for families with small children; 2 p.m. Dec. 23; Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; $7 to $22, general; or $30 for a family of up to two adults and up to four children; (619) 235-0804.

El Vez Christmas Show ---- 8:30 p.m. Dec. 23; The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., San Diego; $20; (619) 232-4355.

"A Peter White Christmas" ---- with Rick Braun, Mindi Abair; 8 p.m. Dec. 23; Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego; $45-$65; (619) 220-8497.

"Salute to Vienna" ---- The 12th annual program, which re-creates the traditional New Year's celebration in Vienna, Austria, features the Strauss Symphony of America, dancers from the Vienna City Ballet and vocal soloists; 8 p.m. Dec. 30; Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; $37-$75; (619) 220-8497.

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