Plan Your Holiday Concerts at Strathmore

The Music Center and Mansion at Strathmore will be bursting with the jubilant sounds of 18 performances and events celebrating the many inflections of the holiday season beginning in November and continuing through December. Strathmore will get into the holiday spirit with iconic jingles, country carols, jazz renditions of holiday favorites, Jewish folk music, a big brass band and the booming voices of the Strathmore Children’s Chorus, among other events. For more information about any of Strathmore’s holiday concerts or to purchase tickets, call 301.581.5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.

Holiday performances at Strathmore include:

MUSEUM SHOP AROUND
Thursday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013
Thursday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.|
Tickets $9 (patrons save $1 by purchasing admission online prior to Friday, Nov. 1, 2013)

Strathmore’s annual treasure hunt is back and boasting 21 of the Washington, D.C. region’s finest art gift shops bringing their distinctive wares to the Mansion. The galleries will overflow with unique finds—jewelry, toys, textiles, stationery, glassware, gourmet goodies, books, CDs, objects d’art and one-of-a-kind gifts. Admission proceeds support Strathmore’s arts and education programming. No strollers please.

MICHAEL MCDONALD
THIS CHRISTMAS: AN EVENING OF HOLIDAY & HITS
Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013
8 p.m.

Music Center

Tickets $36-$88
Sponsored generously by Joel and Elizabeth Helke

Two notes that’s all it takes to recognize the voice of Michael McDonald. Launched into stardom with his ’70s-era Doobie Brothers classic “What A Fool Believes” and solo hits like “I Keep Forgettin’,” the master of blue-eyed soul has remained an iconic presence in pop. Now he lends his soulful touch to Christmas classics.

A STAN KENTON CHRISTMAS:
BOSTON BRASS AND THE BRASS ALL-STARS BIG BAND
WITH THE STRATHMORE CHILDREN’S CHORUS|
Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013
4 p.m.
Music Center
Tickets $25-$35

Fifteen of the world’s great brass players team up with more than 100 members of the Strathmore Children’s Chorus to help D.C. swing into the holidays with renditions of “Joy to the World,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “White Christmas,” “Greensleeves” and more.

CRYSTAL GAYLE AND LEE GREENWOOD
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013
8 p.m.
Music Center
Tickets $39–$69

Pair of shining country stars brighten up the holiday with renditions of hummable holiday tunes, as well as selections from their own songbooks. Crystal Gayle’s supple voice is unforgettable in classics like “Don’t it Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” while Lee Greenwood is a legend for hits like “God Bless the U.S.A.”

MS. CLAUS TEA
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013
10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Mansion
Tickets $28 per person

Parents can celebrate the holidays with their little ones at this Strathmore children’s tea with special guest Mrs. Claus, as they enjoy holiday music, a kid-friendly menu of delicious treats and holiday story time. A special early appearance from Santa is in store, too. Recommended for children ages 4 and up. For details and reservations, call (301) 581-5220.

BOHEMIAN CAVERNS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013
3, 5 and 7 p.m.
Mansion
Tickets $25
Sponsored by Asbury Methodist Village

D.C.’s favorite jazz orchestra rules the Yule, with holiday favorites, including a swinging performance of Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker.” This acclaimed ensemble triumphantly returns to Strathmore for three shows.

ZEMER CHAI: THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CHOIR OF WASHINGTON
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013
7:30 p.m. (this performance is sold out)|
and Sunday, Dec. 15
7 p.m.
Mansion
Tickets $25

Zemer Chai, “Living Song,” is a choir of 30 singers dedicated to sharing the rich and diverse musical heritage of the Jewish people, from the Renaissance to the present day, including works by Israeli composers and Jewish folk music from all over the world. “Remarkably evocative and stirring” (The Jewish Daily Forward).

SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA: SALSA NAVIDAD
Friday, Dec. 13, 2013
8 p.m.
Music Center
Tickets $29-$60

Directed by world-renowned pianist, arranger and producer Oscar Hernández, the 13 Grammy-winning ensemble has introduced the thrilling sounds of New York City salsa to music lovers worldwide—now they bring their irresistible sound to the music of the holidays.

CORAL CANTIGAS
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013
7:30 p.m.
Mansion
Tickets $25

The only group of its kind in the Washington area, Coral Cantigas mines the bounty and many rich styles of Latin American, Spanish and Caribbean choral music.  The chorus has appeared at the Kennedy Center, presidential inaugural celebrations, museums and embassies, as well as international tours in Argentina, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

AIR ALUMNI: INTEGRITI REEVES
CHRISTMAS JAZZ STANDARDS
Friday, Dec. 20, 2013
11 a.m.
Mansion
Tickets $17

Dynamic jazz vocalist Integriti Reeves infuses jazz standards with original flare and modern harmonies, her sound resonating with influence of jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole. Her Strathmore residency last season was a huge smash, and now Integriti is back to put her spin on irresistible Christmas jingles.

THE IRISH TENORS
WRIGHT * KEARNS * TYNAN
THE PREMIERE IRISH HOLIDAY CELEBRATION TOUR
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013
4 & 8 p.m.
Music Center
Tickets $36-$78

There is a bittersweet ache in much of Ireland’s musical heritage, along with a melodic loveliness and emotional intensity—and no one mines the tradition better than this trio, who first thrilled American audiences in a 1998 PBS special. There’s an undeniable “full measure of joy” (Las Vegas Review-Journal) in this concert that combines The Irish Tenors’ greatest hits with holiday classics.

SANTA BRUNCH
Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013
10 a.m. and noon
Mansion
Tickets $40 per adult, $20 for children ages 12 and under

Squeeze in one last plea for a puppy, toy truck or Red Ryder BB gun with the big man himself at Strathmore’s second annual Santa Brunch, where Mr. Cringle swing by the Mansion for a cup of hot tea and, in true D.C. fashion, brunch before his big trip. For details and reservations, call 301.581.5220.