Short Takes: A holiday sampler of regional entertainment

CHRISTMAS SAMPLER

Listen close as Santa revs his sleigh for another go ‘round as Christmas nears. Three weeks from tomorrow, in fact.

That means a slew of holiday shows in the meantime. Short Takes offers a look at a trio of such events scheduled for this week, and will no doubt lift the lid on more in the weeks to come. So raise a pint of eggnog and ponder upon these three offerings.

CHRISTMAS BALLET IN BRISTOL

Hang the humbug.

Leave it to Bristol Ballet and Highlands Ballet to gift the community with a Christmas program befitting the season. This and for three years now that means “A Christmas Carol.” Scheduled to stage on Dec. 4 and 6 at the majestic Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol, Tenn., the pair of ballet companies’ take on Charles Dickens’ 1843 masterpiece promises charm meets beauty.

Seen it before? Know that this year’s production includes the John Battle High School choral ensemble. Be aware that if not in the Christmas spirit now, then surely the spirit of the season will enchant those who attend. Whatever, “A Christmas Carol” a la Bristol and Highlands Ballet style equates to a grand ole time.

IF YOU GO
What: “A Christmas Carol” presented by Bristol Ballet and Highlands Ballet
When: Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
Where: Paramount Center for the Arts, 518 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: $6-$15
nfo: (423) 274-8920
Web: www.bristolballet.org
And: www.highlandsballet.com

HOLIDAY SHOWCASE

Celebrate with cheer.

And perhaps purchase handcrafted items from local artisans during the Holiday Showcase. Just visit the Appalachian Arts Center in Richlands, Va. from Dec. 4-24 during the annual cavalcade of Christmas creativity.

Items featured include original oil paintings to books and CDs and of course Christmas ornaments and cards and such. Works from more than 150 local and regional artists fuel the fest, thus providing opportunities to purchase unique gifts impossible to find in shopping malls and Wal-Mart and such.

IF YOU GO
What: Holiday Showcasen When: Dec. 4-24
Where: The Appalachian Arts Center, Richlands, Va.
Admission: Free
Info: (276) 596-9188

A CELTIC CHRISTMAS

Marvel at the music of Christmas.

A “Celtic Christmas Concert,” that is. Presented by the Spencer Memorial Concert Series and featuring renowned Celtic fiddler Jamie Laval, the show embarks on Dec. 6 at the Martha Washington Inn Ballroom in Abingdon. Laval’s mesmerizing stew of traditional Scottish, Irish, and English music offers a tasty foundation from which to orchestrate a Christmas program.

Laval’s virtuosity does not sacrifice feel for flash. You want brilliant? Why, he’d impress whether with an evocative “We Three Kings” or while lathering on “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.” He may play the former, don’t look for the latter, but surely pencil in a time that’s not to be missed.

IF YOU GO
Who: Jamie Laval, “A Celtic Christmas Concert”
When: Dec. 6, 3 p.m.
Where: Martha Washington Inn Ballroom, 150 W. Main St., Abingdon, Va.
Admission: $10
Info: (276) 739-2447n Web, audio and video: www.jamielaval.com

MUSIC NOTES

* Attention all DirecTV subscribers. Grundy, Va. native and longtime musician Ryan Ward will appear on channel 225 at midnight Dec. 6. The appearance, Ward said on Tuesday afternoon, comes as a result of his winning the Sonic Records Showcase, staged on Nov. 8 in Wytheville, Va.
“It’s a performance I did of three to four songs,” Ward said.

Ward’s performance includes original tunes “Laugh Out Loud,” “Stay,” and “Night All Right Good Night,” in addition to a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Never Going Back Again.”
“I think this will be a great exposure tool,” Ward, 28, said. “It’s beyond belief that I’m going to be on there.”

Ward said he hopes the exposure will lead to a record deal and subsequent national distribution of his latest album, “Escape Into Reality.”
“I hope somebody will pick it up,” Ward said.

Ward said that his album is available at Mountain Aire Music Sales in Bristol, Va. See Ward perform tonight at O’Mainnin’s Pub on State Street in Bristol, Tenn.

* Signed on – Jason Leek of Bristol, Va. and Dale Perry as the newest members of Doyle Lawson’s famed band Quicksilver. Leek most recently played bass for Barry Scott and Second Wind while Perry is a returning member of Quicksilver.

* This week’s free MP3 download features a Christmas twist and comes from pop disco queen Lady Gaga. Simply go to www.amazon.com and then enter “Lady Gaga Christmas Tree” into the search box and click go to be taken to the download page.

So with Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror and Christmas on the near horizon, it’s a wrap for the week’s Short Takes and Music Notes. Check back in next week for another round. Meantime and by all means, stay tuned.

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at features@bristolnews.com.