December, 2011

As USI's oldest living tradition, the annual madrigal continues its legacy for the 42nd year. The reenactment of a 15th-century royal feast showcases members of the USI Chamber Choir, with selections of old English and Irish madrigals, folk songs, and...

With a sold-out record the past three years, the Owensboro Dance Theatre’s rendition of The Nutcracker should be another solid turnout. The unique version of Tchaikovsky’s classic tale wows with elaborate new theatrical sets, special effect lighting, new costumes, and...

For the little ones, seeing their artwork — which they made just for mom and dad — hanging on the fridge is a thrill. Just in time for Christmas decorating, tots ages 3-5 have a chance to create another special...

 In a community with rich German roots, this holiday celebration preserves history with a traditional German meal prepared by Germania Mannerchor’s chefs and entertainment by the men’s and women’s choirs. $27.50. ...

The Evansville Museum’s Transportation Center presents a cozy evening for all children to dress in pajamas, snack on cocoa and cookies, and curl up in the museum’s club car while listening to a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s [The Polar...

It’s been told time and time again by performers all across the world, but the Children’s Center for Dance Education gives a young perspective to the timeless tale of The Nutcracker, a story of a German girl who dreams of...

The Civic Theatre transforms into a 1940s radio music hall with actors playing multiple roles and foley artists creating sound effects in this live radio play adaptation of the classic Frank Capra film. In the 1946 movie, an angel helps...

For another year, Santa comes to town — and the zoo. Before getting to the milk and cookies, he starts the day with a hot buffet breakfast with guests in the Rainforest Grill. Children receive treat bags, create holiday crafts,...

With choral groups, window displays, and holiday décor throughout the streets, Historic New Harmony welcomes Santa for a Christmas celebration. The two-day event includes shops filled with antiques and art as well as a holiday parade. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday;...

Brenda Pelz, a longtime local home stager from Evansville, will host a free two-day event to help get your holiday décor in order. She’ll give specific ideas on modernizing, changing, or just simply decluttering the holiday décor at your house....

The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra presents its annual holiday concert under the direction of Maestro Alfred Savia. This year’s featured vocals and sounds include classic American baritone Daniel Narducci, the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus, and the Evansville Horn Choir. 7 p.m. Saturday;...

Ballet Indiana, the Tri-State's newest nonprofit performing company dedicated to classical ballet, presents its second annual performance of a classic holiday ballet. Choreographed by Keith J. Martin, a former principal dancer with England's Royal Ballet, the production features professional guest...

Each year around Christmas time, leaders of the Santa Clothes Club has one thing in mind: fundraising. Their goal is to raise up to $250,000 in order to clothe as many as 2,500 needy children in the Tri-State. This year,...

As a part of the Jasper Arts Center’s backstage series, Jamey Aebersold and his jazz quartet give a live performance with their instrumental companions including the sax, drums, bass, and piano. For more than 40 years, Jamey Aebersold has been...

With holiday favorites, this seasonal performance shows off the collaborative talents of University of Evansville musicians including the Harlaxton Quintet, 130 combined choir members, the wind ensemble, and UE faculty performers. Free. ...

Have yourself a green little Christmas. That’s what the Audubon Museum promotes this season. Here, participants use old light bulbs, glass jars, tin cans, and newspapers, all recycled material, to make beautiful holiday décor. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. All materials...

From Thursday through Saturday, local artists including Twila Black, Jay Hamlin, Nikki Pritchett, and Fred Reaves, will present their artwork at this holiday art sale. Hosted by the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, this three-day event also will feature Dr....

YWCA has been serving the Evansville community for 100 years. As one of their many services, their annual holiday luncheon includes a delicious lunch and showcases holiday gifts created from scratch by local merchants. $40-$65. ...

Take a holiday drive through the fifth annual Nativity Exhibit with about 500 nativity scenes. The nativity scenes come from all over the world. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday. Free. ...

Is it possible to make Christmas more spectacular? That’s the aim of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, a gospel band with numerous awards. It’s an evening that encourages the entire family’s attendance. $19-$22. ...

As the nation’s leading cause of disability, arthritis affects millions. In support, the Arthritis Foundation’s local chapter puts on a 5K run/walk to raise money for research and advocacy. The event also encourages a holiday spirit: Participants wear jingle bells...

Children ages 3-7 and their families share the holiday activities: doing arts and crafts, storytelling, eating treats, and visiting Santa. Pre-registration required. $7. ...

Skating alongside Santa inside the two-sheet National Hockey League ice rink is just one attraction at this second annual event. Take your picture with the white-bearded man to benefit the Vanderburgh Humane Society and the Evansville Rescue Mission, or come...

Crossroads Christian Church presents timeless classics and popular contemporary music from the church’s 200-member choir and 60-piece orchestra. 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday. Free. ...

Under the direction of Dennis Malfatti, the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus performs Handel’s Messiah with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. The traditional song features the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus," originally performed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1742. $25-$30. ...

For those seeking to escape the stresses of the holiday season, Jim Brickman — a two-time, Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling artist — brings a musical celebration to Evansville. With help from singers Ben Uteche, Anne Cochran, and violinist Tracey Silverman, Brickman dazzles...

Headed by directors Diane Earle of the Owensboro Symphony Chorus, Julie White of the Kentucky Youth chorale, and conductor Tom Stites of the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Holiday Pops concert reverberates the center’s walls with the help of a...

It’s been told time and time again by performers all across the world, but the Children’s Center for Dance Education gives a young perspective to the timeless tale of The Nutcracker, a story of a German girl who dreams of...

On a tropical island during World War II, love for two couples is tested against war and personal prejudice. Based on the 2008 Tony Award-winning production, South Pacific brings romance through storytelling and beloved songs including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m...

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been adapted to film more than 200 times. His novel originally was published on Dec. 17, 1843, and went on to become one of Dickens’ most famous works. A theatrical version at the Henderson...

This Christmas tour has special meaning for the husband and wife singers. They met performing holiday music. Gill credits Amy for this show’s concept, but it needs both voices to take the holiday classics to the next level. $45-$80. ...

Travis Kirschner, Troy Coots, and Dereck Dew bring their progressive rock sound to Evansville with a couple local acts including Vulpes. Deviator, their three-man Kansas City-based band, is taking the stage at Bullocks Tavern for a 21 and up concert....

Enforcing local, state, and federal laws, the Central Indiana gun show offers a safe haven for gun enthusiasts all over the state. Items on display: pistols, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, knives, and military collectibles. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, until 3 p.m....

With the guidance of artistic director Mark Bush and conductor Alfred Savia, Evansville Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker returns to the stage. This time, the dancers are accompanied by the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. Bush’s production has been called a “visual...

This fifth annual family holiday tradition features local magician Don Baggett and other entertainers from throughout the Midwest. Baggett, featured on the cover of our March/April 2011 issue (“Join the Fun”), got his first gig as a magician in a...

Located in the museum’s Alcove Gallery, a unique, private Evansville collection of Antonie-Louis Barye’s artwork is on exhibit. He became the first of a group of 19th century French sculptors called “Les Animaliers.” Before these artists, animals were not the...

Steamboat transportation has allowed Evansville to prosper through consumer trade, but the waters of the Ohio River have created disaster through major flooding that occurred in 1884, 1913, and most memorably, the flood of 1937 — the largest natural disaster...

The Victorian Christmas continues in its 32nd year with tours that begin in the carriage house of the Reitz Home Museum. All proceeds are used to update and streamline the heating ventilation and air conditioning systems. The idea is to...

For shoppers burned out on big-box stores, this festively decorated art gallery offers an alternative. UE students, faculty members, and artists from the broader community will sell their fine art and handmade crafts throughout the gift-giving season. 11 a.m.-3 p.m....

The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art features an exhibition that explores the history and cultural traditions of the Ohio River region of northwest Kentucky. A nationally prominent juror determines the exhibition. Museum open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday....

The New Harmony Art & Antique Stroll will open with a reception on Nov. 19. The Stroll will feature many local artists including University of Southern Indiana ceramics alumni and Lenny Dowhie’s piece [From the Ground Up]. Since 1978, Dowhie...

This exhibition is a showcase of touching pieces about home, family, and love. The opening is paired with the New Harmony Art & Antiques Stroll, a town-wide open house of art galleries, antique shops, and downtown businesses. Free. 4-7 p.m....

With more than 40 members of the art faculties from local campuses, the University of Evansville (East Side), the University of Southern Indiana (West Side), and Ivy Tech Community College (North Side) unite to display current work in this 25th...

The annual drive-through winter light show brightens Evansville’s Gavin Park every Thanksgiving and into the New Year. All net proceeds fund physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions at the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center, an organization serving Tri-State children and adults...

The Winter Wonderland Festival includes an enormous Christmas tree at the entrance of an outdoor skating rink overlooking the Ohio River. The massive 20-by-40 cinema air screen offers holiday films throughout the evening. 5-9 p.m. $5. ...

An evening drive through Panther Creek Park’s Christmas light festival showcases more than 25,000 lights. Opened in 1992, the park boasts numerous features, and this season, festive lights adorn them: a fire tower, a swinging bridge, and two gazebos. ...

The Vanderburgh 4-H Center’s Winter Carnival offers a drive-through lane with more than 100,000 Christmas lights. Santa makes a trip to the antiques building at the 4-H Center each weekend. Light display hours are 6-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, until 10 p.m....