Dust off the ol’ vocal pipes, dig out your Christmas cheer and bundle up the kids; it’s time for some carolling.
On Dec. 19, Qualicum Beach singer Rosalee Sullivan will join the Parksville-based Second Wind Saxophone Quartet at the McMillan Arts Centre to lead an evening of Christmas music for the whole family.
“There’s something for everyone,” said Sullivan, who has sang in local bands and in musicals with ECHO Players and Bard to Broadway.
According to MAC administrator Linda Matteson-Reynolds, the evening will start off with a Christmas sing-a-long. Kids will be encouraged to sit at the front and there will be song sheets for anyone that needs them.
While Sullivan said Wayne Finucan (who plays tenor saxophone in the Second Wind Saxophone Quartet) is currently finalizing the set list, she can assure that the program will include many familiar Christmas tunes. Also, the carols will be sung in their traditional style so everyone can participate.
Of course, it doesn’t matter if you can hit the high notes; the night is all about spending time with family.
“Come with good cheer,” said Sullivan. “Enjoy the Christmas spirit with us.”
Matteson-Reynolds said that organizers decided to do the interactive part of the event first so younger children could participate without getting too sleepy.
After the sing-a-long, Sullivan and the Quartet — which also includes Claudio Fantinato on soprano sax, Trever Hooper on alto sax and Geoff Williams on baritone sax — will switch things up and play jazzy versions of Christmas songs without audience participation.
Events geared specifically to children and families aren’t the most common at the MAC, which is why the staff is particularly excited about the sing-a-long. “We’re really reaching out to this demographic,” said Matteson-Reynolds. “We’re really looking forward to this … It’ll be nice to have some kids here.”
This is sure to be a sold-out event so people are encouraged to purchase their tickets early.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for OCAC members and available for purchase at the MAC.
Kids’ admission is a donation of a non-perishable item, which will be donated to the Nanoose Food Bank.
Performance starts at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more info, contact the MAC at 250-248-8185.