‘Holiday Blend’ performance to be held Dec. 19

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Added to the festive Christmas events available to the Northwest Ohio public is a “Holiday Blend,” a performance on Saturday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Historic Valentine Theater on South Clinton Street, Defiance. It is an evening of Christmas music that will feature a unique opportunity to hear the Christmas repertoire of the Northwesternaires, the noted barbershoppe choir led by James Shisler.

Established in 1946, the group numbers more than 60 members drawn from 26 different towns across Northwest Ohio. In addition to earning numerous awards on a regional and national basis, the Northwesternaires stage their own show in March and play to sold-out crowds. This is their first performance of Christmas music open to the general public.

Another ingredient in the “Holiday Blend” is a set by the Ned Clark Jazz Trio, which features piano, drums and bass. The trio is being joined by invited vocalists and instrumentalists for a selection of light and bouncy holiday favorites.

The final ingredient to the evening is a full performance of noted English carols collection, “A Ceremony of Carols,” by English composer, Benjamin Britten. The series of eleven carols use mostly Middle English texts, and concern the prophecy and nativity of Jesus. The 20 voice chorale is made up of selected accomplished singers from the region and is directed by Andrew Schultz, director of music programs at Defiance College. The carols will be accompanied by solo concert harpist Caresse Boyers of Wauseon.

In addition, as patrons arrive at the theatre, they will be caroled by the Carolayres, a local a cappella caroling group.

Admission tickets for the event are on sale at two levels. For $20, a Reserved Bonus Admission includes reserved seating in the front, center section of the hall; an invitation to the Gala Performers’ Reception following the ceremony at the home of Defiance College President Mark Gordon and his wife, Anne, on East High Street; and dining favors at both Charlie’s Down Under and Kissner’s. At Charlie’s, upon showing your Reserved Bonus ticket, you will receive a 10% food discount and free dessert; at Kissner’s, you will receive free dessert.

General admission tickets are available for $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Both Bonus Tickets, of which there are a limited number, and general admission tickets are available at the Defiance Public Library, Defiance Development and Visitors’ Bureau, and at Kissner’s. You may receive mail order tickets by sending a check and return envelope to: Defiance College, attention Andrew Schultz, 701 N. Clinton St., Defiance OH 43512.

This special event is a fund-raiser for the “Raising the Curtain” performing arts initiative at Defiance College.

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate majors as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

December 3, 2009