'O Christmas Tree'
The public is invited to attend the annual Lincoln Square Tree Lighting Ceremony in Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. The Queen of Angels Singers and the Queen of Angels Contemporary Choir will combine to kick off the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Caroling Program. Ald. Gene Schulter (47th) will throw the switch to light the tree.
Christmas Tree Sale
The Queen of Angels Christmas Tree Sale will be held in the school parking lot at Sunnyside and Western avenues beginning Saturday, Nov. 27. Sale hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a beautiful, fragrant, freshly cut tree. Choose from Scotch pines, spruce, balsam, fraser and white pine, ranging in size from table top, to apartment size, to large. Wreaths with festive red bows are also available. All proceeds go to Queen of Angels School. For more information, call the parish office at (773) 539-7510.
Helping Hands Campaign
State Rep. John Fritchey has announced the kickoff of the third annual Helping Hands Campaign. Working in collaboration with neighborhood community groups and chambers of commerce, Rep. Fritchey is collecting hygiene products and NEW hats, gloves, scarves and socks for those who are in need this holiday season. Items that are collected will be distributed to organizations in the 11th Representative District that need assistance.
There will be drop boxes available at locations throughout the area. Many of the groups are asking members to bring donated items to upcoming holiday parties hosted by those organizations.
Anyone who is interested in being part of the Helping Hands Campaign should contact Colleen Daley at (773) 871-4000, or one of the participating groups listed below to find out when and where they can drop off items.
Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, Roscoe Village Camber of Commerce, Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce, Bucktown Community Organization, Wrightwood Neighbors Association, South Lake View Neighbors, Wicker Park/ Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, Ravenswood Community Council, Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, Northcenter Chamber of Commerce, Young Chicago Lakefront, Hamlin Park Neighbors, West Lakeview Neighbors, Greater Rockwell Organization, and Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.
People’s Music School offers Peaceable Kingdom at Field Museum
Celebrate the joys of the holiday season at the Field Museum’s Peaceable Kingdom, featuring a unique musical community. On Saturday, Dec. 18, the People’s Music School, a collaborative school dedicated to making musical education free to all, will perform holiday music from the cultural communities that represent the Uptown area of the North Side.
Peaceable Kingdom performances will take place at noon and 2 p.m. in Stanley Field Hall, and are free with Museum admission.
The People’s Music School provides free, high quality music instruction and performance opportunities for personal and professional growth, and cultivates informed and appreciative audiences for classical music. Programs are open to all, especially those who have little opportunity for musical instruction. The School’s Latino, Asian, African-American, Caucasian and Native American student body, ranging from age five up, mirrors the neighborhood’s rich diversity. To learn more about the school and its upcoming events, visit peoplesmusicschool.org.
The Field Museum is located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. Call (312) 665-7400 for more information or visit fieldmuseum.org.
Nine Lesson and Carols
In the tradition of the great English choirs, St. John Cantius parish will present "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Join in singing beautiful and familiar Christmas carols celebrating the joyous birth of Jesus Christ. Hear the famous Nine Lessons and enjoy seasonal choral works by four of St. John’s choirs. A babysitting service will be available at the church; call Dorothy Amorella at (847) 698-7854 to make a reservation. St. John Cantius Church is located at 825 N. Carpenter St. For more information, call (312) 243-7373 or visit cantius.org.
Edgewater Singers present free concert
The Edgewater Singers present their 19th annual "Holiday Concert" at Bethany Lutheran Church, 1244 W. Thorndale Ave., at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. The program features holiday classical and seasonal music, the Edgewater Flutes and an audience sing-a-long. The concert, directed by Diane Aitken and accompanied by pianist Anne Basye, is free to the public.
Please note the location on the corner of Thorndale and Magnolia avenues. Parking is available at the Armory on Broadway, as well as on the street.
Selections for the Edgewater Singers Holiday Concert are "African Noel," "Away in a Manger," "Baby, It’s Cold Outside," "Candlelight Carol," Vivaldi’s "Gloria," "The Holly and the Ivy," "Light One Candle," "Masters in this Hall," "Noel, Noel, Bells are Ringing," Randall Thompson’s "Nowell," "Now Let Us All With One Accord," "Sussex Carol (On Christmas Night)," plus sing-a-long favorites.
"Holiday with Chicago Lighthouse"
A unique twist to holiday shopping will be offered by The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired on Sunday, Dec. 5. That’s when "Holiday with The Chicago Lighthouse" takes place. The Lighthouse and its Young Philanthropists Board (YPB) will offer brunch and a "one of a kind" shopping experience. Through a special partnership with the Merchandise Mart, Lighthouse guests will be able to shop for unique gifts from 350 national and local artists and designers while helping to support programs that benefit people who are blind or visually impaired.
This festive pre-holiday event, which will include brunch by Wolfgang Puck Events and Catering, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Merchandise Mart.
"We invite everyone to take a break from traffic, parking and ho-hum gifts and treat themselves to a pleasant shopping experience while helping a worthy cause," said Naomi Tselepis, manager of special events at The Lighthouse.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. For ticket and sponsorship information, call (312) 997-3679 or visit thechicagolighthouse.org.
Circa Ceramics Holiday Shows 2004
On Dec. 2, 3, 4, & 5, attend a one-of-a-kind show and sale by Circa Ceramics at The Merchandise Mart, 8th floor Market Suites (Thursday 6 to 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) On Dec. 11 & 12, see Circa Ceramics at The Bucktown Holiday Arts Show, Holstein Park Field House, 2200 N. Oakley Ave., (Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) Finally on Dec. 18 & 19, don’t miss the Last Minute Open Studio Weekend at 3759 N. Ravenswood Ave., #134 (Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.) Contact Circa Ceramics at (773) 404-1655, circaceramics.com or circaceramics@sbcglobal.net.
Happy Holidays at SEAOI
The Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI) will host an Open House Dec. 6-10 that offers a chance to support Metropolitan Family Services. Everyone is invited. Come one, come all, to:
Give construction-based toys (or a check made out to Metropolitan Family Services) for underprivileged children (to be distributed through Metropolitan Family Services). Toys should not be wrapped.
See the SEAOI office.
Sit in on an SEAOI Board Meeting if you come on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 12:25 to 2 p.m.
Purchase the SEAOI Award Winning Structures book for only $19.95 if you bring a toy.
Enjoy refreshments and share your ideas for SEAOI.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day from Dec. 6 through Dec. 10. (If you cannot come personally, you can still send a toy or check, made out to Metropolitan Family Services, to the SEAOI office.) The SEAOI office address is 203 N. Wabash St., Suite 2010, Chicago, IL 60601. If you cannot come into the office please call to make other arrangements: (312) 372-4198.
Any kind of new toy will be appreciated, but building blocks, erector sets, Lincoln Logs, Legos and Tinker Toys are especially encouraged. For more information, visit seaoi.org.
IAHC to host New Year’s Eve Party
The Irish American Heritage Center will hold its annual New Year’s Eve Party in the Fifth Province Lounge on Friday, Dec. 31. Doors open at 7 p.m.
The cost for the party is $25 for advance purchase and $30 after Dec. 30. The cover charge includes hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and entertainment by local favorites David Dunne and Blackwater. To purchase tickets, call the Center at (773) 282-7035, ext. 10.
William Ferris Chorale's Christmas Concert
The William Ferris Chorale opens its season with their much-loved holiday concert, Christmas with the Chorale, Friday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 690 W. Belmont Ave.
A perennially popular event, the Christmas concert includes traditional and contemporary carols, works of Renaissance masters, the world premiere of a recently discovered "Hail Mary" by William Ferris, and a performance of Daniel Pinkham’s "Christmas Cantata." Paul French, a frequent guest on the Chorale podium, conducts; Thomas Weisflog is the organist.
Tickets at $30, $25 or $20 are available by calling (773) 325-2000. Major credit cards are accepted. There is ample free parking.
Do-It-Yourself Messiah
One of Chicago’s most beloved traditions for the last 27 years has brought more than 7,000 participants from around the globe together in a free performance of George Fredric Handel’s "Messiah." The LaSalle Bank Do –It-Yourself Messiah is performed by four professional soloists and an all volunteer orchestra. The audience sings the chorus and is led by Maestro Stanley Sperber, an internationally renowned conductor. This year's event will take place at the Civic Opera House on Monday, Dec. 20, and Tuesday, Dec. 21. For more information, visit lasallebank.com/messiah.
Advent Vespers & Organ Concerts
Advent Vespers and Organ Concerts take place at 3:30 p.m. Sundays followed immediately by Choral Vespers sung by members of the Cathedral Gallery and Chamber Singers conducted by Matthew Walsh. The dates are: Nov. 28, H. Ricardo Ramirez, D.M.A., Associate Organist/ Director of Music, Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago; Dec. 5, William C. Aylesworth, Organist, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wilmette and Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago; Dec. 12, Robert E. Woodworth, Jr., Organist in Chicago; and Dec. 19, Allison Boccia, C.A.G.O., Music Director/Organist, Bethany Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake, IL. There is no charge. Parking is limited but available in the Cathedral lot across State St. from the Cathedral. Entrance to the lot is on Superior St.
Children’s Holiday Party
Ald. Patrick J. O’Connor (40th) will host a holiday celebration at Northside College Prep High School, 5501 N. Kedzie Ave., in the auditorium (north end of the building), on Saturday, Dec. 11. Children of all ages are welcome to partake in festivities including live music by Duane West and Patrick Callaghan, a holiday cartoon, cookies and candy, gifts provided by Ald. O’Connor for all children in attendance (infants through 12 years of age), and a visit from Santa Claus. Each child will be eligible for a drawing in which one lucky boy and girl will win a new bicycle. The annual event has grown in popularity over the years. Last year nearly 500 attended the party. Mark your calendars, and don’t miss the fun at Northside College Prep, between 1 and 3 p.m. Dec. 11.
Sparkling 'Holidays a cappella' concert
Chicago a cappella will perform a remarkable selection of holiday music from 18 living composers at their upcoming concert, "Holidays a cappella." The acclaimed nine-voice ensemble will sing innovative new arrangements of familiar carols, Christmas Spirituals and Chanukah songs, as well as brilliant new compositions to celebrate the season. "Holiday a cappella" will take place Friday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m., at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Michigan Ave. at Delaware Ave. Tickets are $25/$22 seniors (62+)/ $15 student (23 and under)/ group rates available. For tickets call (773) 755-1628 or (800) SING-WOW (746-4969). For more information and secure online ticket sales, visit chicagoacappella.org.
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