Holiday Week Brings Something for Everyone

BRASS CAROLING IN EASTSOUND ON SATURDAY
(Saturday, December 19 from 10 am – 12 noon)
Barring heavy rain, you can keep your eyes out … and your ears open for a strolling group of brass musicians, leading others in caroling around town. Tentative route: Emmanuel Church; Darvill’s Bookstore; Island Market; Roses Cafe; Enzo’s; Teezers; Tres Fabu; Eastsound Square; and ending near Brown Bear Baking.

ARTIST RECEPTION FOR JOHN RAYMOND BERRY @ CATKIN CAFE
(Saturday, December 19th from 1 pm – 3 pm)
There will be prints of artists work available ~ 25% of Berry sales gifted to Orcas Island Food Bank. Enjoy Mulled wine and snacks. And please come by for some holiday cheer! INFORMATION: Call 360-376-3242

ORCAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HOLIDAY MUSIC CONCERT
(Saturday, December 19, 6:30)
In March, high school students from Orcas Christian School (OCS) will travel to the northern-most area of the Philippines to conduct mission work. Specifically, the students will assist physicians and dentists in providing local communities with healthcare. To raise money for their mission trip, the students will be performing music at Random Howse this Saturday evening at 6:30. Come hear and sing along to all your holiday favorites, and some with a new twist! This is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday spirit while supporting an important cause. OCS greatly appreciates your support!

THE NUTCRACKER @ ORCAS CENTER
(Saturday, December 19, 6:30 pm)
This beloved holiday classic will enchant the whole family with its fairytale setting and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. The Bolshoi’s version of The Nutcracker has a beautiful sense of romance and philosophy, danced by the heroic Denis Rodkin as the Prince and the magical Anna Nikulina as Marie. $18, $13 students, $2 off for Orcas Center members
$5 subsidized tickets available in the Box Office
INFORMATION: 360-376-2281 x1

LESSONS AND CAROLS WITH SHARON ABREU AT EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
(Sunday, December 20, 5 p.m.)
Sharon will be singing two arias from Handel’s MESSIAH at the Lessons & Carols service – “Rejoice Greatly” and “Come Unto Him” Come sing carols with good friends!

VESPER SERVICE AT ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH
(Sunday, December 20, at 5 p.m., Orcas Island Community Church)
This weekly Vespers service is designed for the many people in the church and on the island who are seeking a more contemplative worship experience. The 45-minute Vespers service will be led by Pastor Dick Staub and Associate Pastor for Congregational Life Brian Moss. Staub said, “This type of service is important because throughout the ages, quietness and silence have been essential for spiritual grounding, and in this noisy age the hunger for quiet is greater than ever.”
“The Vespers service will be a time set aside for evening prayer,” said Moss. “The music for this service will be simple and draw from many different traditions including hymns, chants, and the music of Taize and Iona. We want to provide a welcoming and hospitable environment that allows people to contemplate the mysteries of God.”

ALMOST CLASSICAL “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS”
(Tuesday, December 22, 2 p.m. @ Darvill’s and
Tuesday, December 29, doors open at 5 p.m. @ Random Howse)
Orcas Island’s own Almost Classical trio of Lisa Carter, Paris Wilson and Emy Carter is home for the holidays and looking forward to sharing the gift of music. At Darvill’s onTuesday, December 22, the trio will play holiday favorites from their recently released Almost Classical Christmas CD, now available at Darvill’s. At Random Howse onTuesday, December 29, Almost Classical will perform an after-Christmas mostly “pop” concert. Doors open at 5 p.m. with Random Howse’s tasty Thai food and drinks on tap from 5 to 8 p.m. The music starts at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover charge. All ages are welcome. Come join Paris and welcome Emy and Lisa back from Music Conservatory in Los Angeles.INFORMATION: Please call Kristen at 360-376-2977.

A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES
(Thursday, December 24, 3 p.m., @ Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Benson Hall)
Please join us for this beloved tradition: Howard Barbour will read the Dylan Thomas classic, A Child’s Christmas in Wales. He even does the voices. Bring your family, friends and neighbors – a flier is attached. Please bring cookies to share following the reading.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
(Thursday, December 24, 6 p.m., Orcas Island Community Church)
Orcas Island Community Church invites you to celebrate the joyful anticipation of Christmas Eve with us on Christmas Eve December 24 with a quiet candlelight service. This island tradition is a wonderful gathering of islanders into the warmth and unity of the Christmas story. We’ll sing all the familiar Christmas Carols, enjoy various readings and then experience the glow of light as each attender holds their own lit candle.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Thursday, December 24 8 p.m. at Episcopal Church,. Sharon Abreu sings solo pieces and leads Christmas Carols.

MATTHEW LASLO’S – MAGIC NOW!
(Saturday, December 26 & Sunday, December 27, 7:30 pm; Doors Open @ 6:30pm @ Sea View Theatre)
Introducing a new magic show for the holidays! Matthew is a local, award-winning magician who performs both close-up and grand illusions that thrill audiences of all ages. At just 15 years old, Laslo is a consummate performer who brings a youthful, fresh approach to the art of magic. Joining him are his lovely assistants, Maria Bullock & Madison West. Guaranteed to create a fun holiday memory for the entire family! Tickets are a family-friendly $10. Tickets go on sale Sunday, December 6, and are available at Darvills’ Bookstore, Smith & Speed, and online at www.brownpapertickets.com. Great stocking stuffer! INFORMATION: Please, call Donna at 360-378-7527.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT DOE BAY WITH GEMS!
(Thursday, December 31 @ Doe Bay)
Seattle’s premier livetronica group double drums, double synths playing multiple sets of blazing EDM, psychedelic, tribal beats to ring in the new year exclusively at Doe Bay Resort & Retreat! Music starts at 10:00 – 10:30 pm; Special NYE menu 5:00 – 10:00 pm; Bar menu after 10:00 pm. Complimentary champagne toast. Reservations are highly recommended.

NEW YORK NEW YEAR @ THE ORCAS HOTEL
(Thursday, December 31, dining begins at 6:00 pm& party begins at 9:00 pm)
Join us for a New York New Year’s party and celebrate the new year at 9:00 pm. The 6-course meal starts at6:00 pm, and we will have live music, featuring Martin Lund, until the ball drops. Limited seating so, please, call for tickets and reservations. INFORMATION: Please, call 360-376-4300.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT RANDOM HOWSE!
(Thursday, December 31 @ 9 p.m.)
“Rock Terra” brings high energy Rock ‘n Roll band with dance music all night long!