Artfully Edmonds was in “making a list” mode this week with thoughts of all of the upcoming seasonal events taking place in Edmonds.

We know that our readers have out-of-town guests coming in for visits and will want to show off this sparkling little city and all that it has to offer – and gosh does it have a lot to offer!

For instance, we have to look forward to the bright colorful trolley clanging its way up and down Edmonds streets, a majestic tree that glitters brightly across from city hall, a delightful store dedicated to nothing but candy (just steps away from Santa’s mailbox), plus pageants and soirees – meant for memorable holidays.

So place a bookmark at this week’s column, carry us on your iPhone, as there’s so much coming your way from My Edmonds News and Artfully Edmonds.

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Driftwood Players
950 Main St.
Dual Holiday Productions
Nov. 27 – Dec.20

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – By Barbara Robinson and Directed by Andrew Coopman

Note:  Artfully Edmonds featured a director’s profile of Andrew Coopman earlier this month.

In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids–probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!  But it will make this year’s pageant the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever. Directed by Andrew Coopman.

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Timmy Perlmutter’s Extraordinary Hanukkah
A One-Act Musical
Book by Carissa Meisner Smit – Music and Lyrics by Paul Lewis and Directed by Andrew Coopman

Timmy Perlmutter’s family has a surprise holiday visitor — Timmy’s well-meaning but often unthinking uncle. Although Timmy can’t possibly keep the astonishing gift that Uncle Jerome has brought for him, his disappointment gives way to understanding, and this Hanukkah turns out to be Timmy’s most extraordinary Hanukkah of all. Directed by Andrew Coopman.

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Black Friday Opportunities from Driftwood Players

“Avoid the crowds and long lines!” calls out the Driftwood Players as the troupe suggests you put your Black Friday money down on discounted tickets.

From one-minute after midnight to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec 4 save up to $10 on the ticket price of each of their 2016 productions* (not including “Festival of Shorts” and Summer Camp productions)

If you purchase one ticket to each discounted show, that’s a savings of $50!

Psst. . . Use the code “Friday” in the promo code space as you make your online purchase.

Driftwood Players’ online ticket booth is located here .

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Friday-Saturday
Nov. 27 and Nov. 28
The Art of Giving

Cline Jewelers, an Art Walk Edmonds gallery space is donating 10 percent of all sales that take place Friday and Saturday to the Nourishing Network, a weekend meal program of the Edmonds School District.

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Make it A Tradition!

Nov. 28:

• Shop Small Saturday all day
• Holiday Farmers’ Market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. near City Hall

December ~ Friday Nights:

• Carolers and live musicians will stroll downtown from 6-8 p.m.
• Free Family Movies ~ Dec. 4 & 11

So! As you can tell Edmonds offers residents and visitors alike the best in charming sights to see, exciting things to do — for all ages, with memories to be made.

Bundle up, grab change for a sweet treat and join your neighbors out on the streets of Edmonds as carolers stroll, the bells on the doors of Edmonds’ businesses jingle and the holiday trolley clangs its way past our most popular sights.

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Saturday, Nov. 28
Edmonds Tree Lighting Ceremony
And related activities

Tree Lighting at 5^th Avenue North and Bell Street
3:30 p.m. Refreshments in Centennial Plaza
4:30 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony begins

Photos with Santa Claus
5:30 – 7 p.m.

At Canarino Gelato (203 5^th Ave. S.) with harp music provided by Austin Harp Arts.

Clothes for Kids
An opportunity to contribute new clothing, or free will donations to Clothes for Kids at the Log Cabin, 5^th Avenue North and Bell Street.

Carol Rowe Memorial Food Bank will benefit from your patronage of Ivar’s Acres of Clams, 9910 Edmonds Way, for purchases made between 4-6 p.m.

For updates and additional information check this Chamber of Commerce event  link.

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Monday, Nov. 30
7 p.m.
 St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
21405 82^nd Pl.
Contemporary Celtic Christmas

A contemporary Celtic Christmas Concert will be performed benefitting the Safety Net Program of the Chase Lake Community School’s.

Featured artists will include Windham Hill / ArkMusic recording artists Jeff Johnson on keys and vocals, Brian Dunning on flutes and whistles, and Wendy Goodwin on the violin.

For additional information, call or contact 425-778-0371 or email stalbansedmonds@gmail.com.

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Thursday, Dec. 3
2-4 p.m.
Cascadia Art Museum
Multi-purpose Education Room
190 Sunset Ave.
Ornament Painting

Join in the laughter, chatter, and fun as Angela Bandurka guides adult-students through the process of painting an ornament with acrylic paint on watercolor paper for use as a holiday card for single use or reproduction, or, as a framed work.

Cost: $10. Supplies provided. Admission to the museum exhibits is not included.

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Friday, Dec. 4
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Making Holiday Cards
And Come See the Museum!

It’s a family card-making event with art educators Mona Fairbanks and April Richardson as they guide instruction on two card making genres: watercolor stamp making with pen work, and small run, native plant printmaking on a portable printing press.

Cost: Free with Museum admission. Supplies provided. (Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult.)

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Phoenix Theatre
9673 Firdale Ave. SW
Friday, Dec 4-20
8 p.m. 

“Expressing Willie” by Rachel Crothers  
Directed by Christine Mosere

The Roaring Twenties! “Expressing Willie” is about a bachelor who finds himself obscenely wealthy and becomes involved with members of New York’s high society.  The fun begins when his mother invites his former girlfriend to his Christmas party; and Midwestern values go up against the mores of the idle rich.

Artfully Edmonds is giddy with delight over the announcement that My Edmonds News has secured an exclusive interview with Edmonds’ pratfall comedienne, Melanie Calderwood, who plays the role of mother to the wealthy bachelor.

 

‘Watch this space’ as Artfully Edmonds does a “reveal” profile of Calderwood in just a few days!

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Saturday, Dec. 5
4-8 p.m.
 
The Art of the Soiree
ZINC Art + Interiors (ZINC)
3^rd and Main Street

When Artfully Edmonds hears the word “soiree,” ZINC automatically comes to mind. Maybe it’s the honky tonk music filtering out to Main St. Perhaps it’s the delectable chocolates, or the generosity of sparkling champagne offered by ZINC owner Laura Zeck.

If you move through life boldly, wrap yourself in bursts of color, throw you head back in gales of laughter – the artful style of Laura Zeck and her gallery ZINC is your kind of place.

For the holidays, Laura is inviting us to come see what her friends A.J. Rathbun and Robin Westbrook have in mind.

And, as in all Soirees – an RSVP is requested. Stop by the gallery or call 206.467.1027 to let them know you’ll be enjoying the hospitality next Saturday.

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Saturday, Dec. 5
2-5 p.m.

Holiday Art of Healing
For Pet Lovers

“The Holiday Art of Healing”, an art-therapy event sponsored by Splash Dog, 9679 Firdale Ave. is AHELP Project that memorializes beloved pets.

The community-wide invitation reads, “Join our animal loving community for an afternoon of art therapy and remembrance. Create meaningful gifts, memorialize a beloved pet, and share a Moment of Remembrance led by our Support Circle facilitator for our animals who are no longer with us.

Dogs are welcome at this event and handmade dog treats will be provided from Dorothy of the Dining Dog.

Refreshments and light snacks will also be provided. Bring photos and mementos to incorporate into your artwork, and watch this page regularly for posts on the projects we will offer.

More information about this project is available at this Facebook event page .

Tickets are available at this online website.

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Saturday, Dec. 5
4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
North Sound Church presents:
Christmas in Edmonds
 Benefiting the Puget Sound Christian Clinic

No venue glitters more lavishly than Edmonds Center for the Arts (410 4^th Ave. N.) during the holidays. And this is where the Mosaic Arts Choir and Orchestra will present an evening of holiday music – in traditional standards and cheery tap-your-toes medleys.

The Puget Sound Christian Clinic, for which the concert is performed has the mission of “bringing hope and health to communities as they offer free medical, dental and counseling to the underserved.”

The ECA is offering tickets to this event at this online location.

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Sunday, Dec. 6
1-4 p.m.
 Gallery North
401 Main St.

Gifts of the Season

Gallery North, in beautiful downtown Edmonds, presents its December featured show “Gifts of the Season.” This month the artist members of Gallery North will display their holiday best.

The work of over 20 local artists will be available to satisfy your gift giving intentions.

In addition to the members’ fine art and skilled craft, there will be wonderful artist-made gifts, seasonal cards, and ornaments. Gallery members invite you to browse and enjoy the imaginative art at Gallery North.

For more information call 425-774-0946 or visit the gallery’s website.

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ECA press time announcements

The following announcements were received from Edmonds Center for the Arts at press time.

Black Friday (and Thursday!)

ECA is waiving ticket fees when you purchase tickets online to any ECA Presented performance or any ECA Special Engagement on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27.

Cyber Monday

On Monday, Nov. 30 receive 15 percent off your purchase of ECA Presented Events and Special Engagements when your ticket purchase is made online.

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Note: The performance address for all ECA events listed in Artfully Edmonds take place at:

Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
410 4^th Ave. N.
Black Friday

ECA Special engagement just added!
Wednesday, Dec. 9
7:30 p.m.

 

“Under The Streetlamp”, regaled as one of America’s hottest new vocal groups and comprised of a former cast of Jersey Boys, has a place in the ECA line-up.

Expect an evening of classic hits from the American radio songbook along with all the great holiday standards. This modern day Rat Pack, with two top-rated PBS specials still airing, will have everyone in the audience on their feet dancing!

Tickets? It’s a grab at this location.

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Christmas with the Gothard Sisters
Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
Thursday, Dec. 10
7:30 p.m.

Here is a personal note from Willow, Greta, and Solana:

“It’s that time of year again!  We are very excited to announce that we are once again throwing a big party at the Edmonds Center for the Arts under the banner, “Christmas with the Gothard Sisters.”

The first year was such a success that we’ve decided to do it again – same time, same place.

The Christmas show is unique each and every year.  And you can expect a very special performance from the performances that we put on during the other 364 days of the year. So, expect lots of surprises, heartwarming Christmas music, a family holiday excursion to remember . . . . Plus! There may even be special guests and other fun things that will only happen this once.”

Tickets
Sell Out Alert!

Do the Click! Click!! for tickets available at this ECA website.

Show organizers have collaborated with the ECA to get great deals on ticket prices for groups of 4 or more. So gather up your friends and family members to get group discounts and you’ll be able to all enjoy the evening together.

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“Scrooge! Bah! Humbug!”
Presented by the Sno-King Community Chorale
 at Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
Saturday, Dec. 12
3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

This is a tradition!

Sno-King Community Chorale’s annual holiday concert, always a sell-out, is a favorite must-see event for families all over Puget Sound for a couple of main reasons:

1) audiences know they will have a joyful experience with music both familiar and new; and

2) they look forward to seeing the colorful costumes, staging, dancing and 100-voice chorale, under the direction of local music man Frank DeMiero.

From the playbill: “Selections this year include a soaring “Gloria” fanfare; “Carol of the Snow,” a rendition of a Ukrainian folk song; Barry Manilow’s “One Voice” in a moving arrangement by Kirby Shaw; and “Habari Gani” (“What’s the News?”), an uplifting composition to celebrate Kwanza, which had its debut at Carnegie Hall in 2010 as part of the New York Pops annual holiday concert.

“But that’s not all: Scrooge, Marley and the whole Cratchit family will be present in the Chorale’s new version of a favorite old classic with special touches of music and mystery.

The Chorale’s first CD, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, recorded live at last year’s Holiday Magic concert, will be available for purchase at each performance ($20) or they can be ordered now by writing to: leebra1021@aol.com. Call 206-473-9416 for more information.

Tickets to “Scrooge! Bah! Humbug!” are available at ECA’s online ticket window.

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Two Performances!

Sell Out Alert! 
Holiday Pops
Cascade Symphony
Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
Sunday, Dec. 13 Tickets Here
Monday, Dec. 14 Tickets Here

For the first time, CSO’s “Holiday Pops Concert” will be presented in two performances.

Well-known euphonium player Adam Frey will be featured soloist for both performances.

Program highlights include Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah, several selections by Leroy Anderson and the popular Chanukah Medley by Marcus/Seletsky.

The orchestra will also perform the March from Babes in Toyland by Victor Herbert.

Adam Frey

An elite brass soloist, Adam Frey travels the globe sharing his talents as a performer and teacher. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Frey received his musical training at the University of Georgia and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. Adam has more than 90 works that have been composed or specifically arranged for him.

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The Nutcracker
Performed by Olympic Ballet Theatre
Edmonds Center for the Arts
 Dec 18 ~ 7 p.m.

Dec 19 ~ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Dec 20 ~ 5 p.m.

Exciting announcement

Guest star Andrei Vassiliev will take the stage as Olympic Ballet Theatre performs “The Nutcracker”.

Experience the wonder of Clara’s magical dream in an upscale intimate setting.  Edmonds’ production boasts gorgeous, glittering sets and breath-taking costumes.

Tickets
Sell Out Alert!

The box office for this event is at this link.

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— By Emily Hill

Emily Hill is the author of two novels and a short story collection. She also writes the Lynnwood Lifestyle column for Lynnwood Today. Emily is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.