Arts briefs:

Keith Lockhart opens the Boston Pops' 30th anniversary Holiday Pops series

Monday, Dec. 13, at Symphony Hall in Boston. The program features "Joy to the World -- a Fanfare for Christmas Day," the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah," Appalachian folk songs, Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and seasonal favorites. Concerts continue through Dec. 31. Tickets range from $23 to $107. On Dec. 16 country music artist Collin Raye and teen singing sensation Hayley Westenra join the orchestra for a concert to be taped for broadcast by CBS 4. Call 617-266-1492.

Showroom showcases Pocket Big Band

Saxophonist and composer Paul Combs brings his nine-piece Pocket Big Band to the Union Blues, Jazz and Blues Showroom in Worcester Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 8 p.m. The jazz ensemble, formed in November 2001, will open the club's ongoing Wednesday night big band performance series. Tickets are $8. The club is located at 2 Washington Square in downtown Worcester. Call 508-767-2587.

Bilides at TCAN

If you are "chill-challenged, holiday-harried or daylight-deprived," cabaret singer Sophia Bilides has a show for you. On Friday, Dec. 17, she will present "Winter Warm: Songs for the Solstice" at The Center for Arts in Natick. Accompanied by pianist Doug Hammer, Bilides will perform an eclectic mix of songs by Burt Bacharach, Irving Berlin, Judy Collins, Gordon Lightfoot and others. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $15, in advance, or $17. TCAN is located at 14 Summer St., Natick. Call 508-647-0097.

View Source

Article located by Roger Mansbridge
© Copyright of CNC and Herald Interactive Advertising Systems, Inc.