This time of year, people look forward to traditional holiday performances by Lorie Line and her touring company as well as talented local groups to embrace and celebrate the season.
Here are few local events that are sure to get you and your family in the Christmas spirit:
Master Chorale's Holiday Concert
The Master Chorale, directed by Dean Jilek, director of choirs at UND, presents its annual holiday concert, "Coming Home," at 7:30 tonight in St. Michael's Catholic Church.
The concert reflects Jilek's return to his home state of North Dakota after three years in Texas, where he earned his doctoral degree. It features selections by composers from North Dakota and Minnesota, including the late Edwin Fissinger, who headed North Dakota State University's music department for many years; Matthew Culloton, founding artistic director of The Singers organization in the Twin Cities; and St. Olaf College alumni Abbie Betinis and Christopher Aspaas, the latter is director of choral activities at Texas Christian University.
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In addition to the Master Chorale, other performers include the St. Michael's children's choir; John Clodfelter, organ; and Callie Stadem, harp.
The audience will be invited to sing along on a few selections, Jilek said. "It should be a very joyous time."
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children.
The church is at 524 Fifth Ave. N., Grand Forks.
Miracle on 34th Street
The Fire Hall Theatre presents "Miracle on 34th Street, a radio play" at 7 tonight and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Sit back and enjoy a nostalgic journey back to a '50s radio station, complete with a Foley sound effects operator on stage.
It's the story of Kris Kringle who goes to work at Macy's toy department in New York and who, by claiming to be the real Santa Claus, ends up being accused of insanity. A wonderful show for the whole family, this is one of the classic stories that has become a Christmas tradition.
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The performance is sponsored by Retrax of Grand Forks and the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
Tickets are $12 at the door, one hour before curtain time or $10 in advance.
For reservations, call (701) 777-4090.
The theater is at 412 N. Second Ave., Grand Forks.
Lorie Line's 'A Merry Little Christmas'
This year's show has been promoted as one of the most intimate concerts in Lorie Line's 27-year touring history.
The performance, "A Merry Little Christmas," begins at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Chester Fritz Auditorium on the UND campus.
A new CD, "A Merry Little Christmas" with 14 new songs, and a music book will be available for purchase at the Lorie Line show. Along with traditional favorites, the CD includes the song "The Snow Came Down From Heaven," a Lorie Line original.
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Tickets are $54 each or $49 for groups of 10 or more. Age restriction: Show is for adults and children age 4 and older.
Info: und.edu/chester-fritz-auditorium/.
The auditorium is at 3475 University Ave. in Grand Forks.
