Enjoy the holidays from home, thanks to these virtual programs
By Kathy Thayer
assistant recreation manager
Just because we are all hunkering down doesn’t mean we can’t get into the holiday spirit. Now, more than ever, home is where the heart is and that is where we’ll be enjoying the holidays—just differently than pre-COVID. In that vein, we are offering some options for shows and concerts you can livestream or watch at your leisure online.
’Tis the Season: This free virtual concert from the Pacific Chorale airs tonight, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. In addition to seasonal classics sung by the 200-member chorale, there will be a performance featuring the angelic voices of the Pacific Chorale Academy and a visit from the Man in Red. Register at https://www.pacificchorale. org/tis-the-season/.
2020 American Holiday Festival: The U.S. Army Band, a.k.a. “Pershing’s Own,” presents a free Friday-nightseriesvia https://www. usarmyband.com/event-calendar. html. Through Dec. 18, patriots can tune in at 4 p.m. to support the talent in our armed services.
“All Is Well”: You won’t want to miss Hudson County Community College’s 10th annual Light the Lights production, a virtual Christmas concert filmed at the beautiful Palladium, The Center for the Performing Arts, in Carmel, Indiana, and available at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 5. Infused with fun, favorite holiday melodies, a dramatic, inspirational reading, and joy, this production is sure to fill you with the Christmas spirit. Sign up at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/all-iswell- hcccs10th-anniversary-lightthe- lights- virtual- production-tickets 124028517635.
“Student Talent Show”: Dialogue Society—a studentrun organization at UCLA that promotes physical, mental and social wellness—offers this free performance featuring music, live art tutorials and more. Through Zoom, the club presents various interactive workshops focusing on the theme of health and wellness for seniors; the students welcome suggestions, as they are looking for more opportunities to connect with the Leisure World community. You can RSVP at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/dialogue-societygot- talent-tickets-127954943681, then join them at 1 p.m. on Dec. 5 at https://ucla.zoom.us/j/97351 662401?pwd=NmlPZWpTeUVB aktYbTllMWo5UDZQQT09. The meeting ID is 973 5166 2401, and the passcode is 773619.
“Miracle”: The Long Beach Playhouse presents a livestreamed comedy and musical fundraiser to benefit Held2Gether, Women Shelter of Long Beach, and the playhouse on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. For $5, you’ll get comedy from award-winning improv troupe Held2gether, musical performances by Long Beach Playhouse, and the opportunity to win raffle prizes. Plus, you’ll learn more about each of the spotlighted Long Beach community staples. For more information, go to https://lbplayhouse.org/show/ miracle/. Be sure to check out other productions, including a free one in Spanish, while at the LB Playhouse website.
“David Benoit’s Tribute to ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas!’”: Streaming from Rick’s Café live with host Rick Braun, David Benoit and special guest James Tormé and his trio play classic holiday hits and favorite Vince Guaraldi tunes from Benoit’s new album from Steinway Records, “It’s a David Benoit Christmas!” View the performance, sponsored by the Carpenter Center, for free on YouTube at https://www.carpenterarts. org/event/david-benoit
starting Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Exploring Holiday Traditions Around the World: Learn about holiday traditions around the world while interacting with fellow Zoom participants at 4 p.m. on Dec. 10. For this event, presented by Sara Wright of the Center for Health and Wellbeing, you’re encouraged to have your favorite cookies and a cup of cocoa at the ready. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ exploring- holiday- traditionsaround- the- world- webinar-tickets 129369027243.
“Home For the Holidays—A Christmas Cabaret Concert”: For this performance from Toronto Cabaret Productions, a Zoom link will be sent out the day prior after you register via https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/home-forthe- holidays-a-christmas-cabaretconcert- tickets- 129153185655. The virtual live event is scheduled for Dec. 12, 4-6 p.m.
Inspiration 2020: Los Alamitos High School’s Jazz 1, Jazz 2 and Jazz 3 bands, as well as its String and Chamber orchestras, present this free concert, available Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Get a link to the show by signing up at https:// lahsjazzorchestra.anywhereseat. com. Donations to the school’s jazz and orchestra programs are kindly accepted.
“A Christmas Carol”: Catch Trinity Repertory Company’s annual production of the Charles Dickens-penned Christmas classic starting at 9 a.m. on Dec. 17. Some segments were filmed in-person under strict safety guidelines, while others were recorded by actors in their homes, which required shipping cameras, props and costumes to locations throughout the theater’s home state of Rhode Island and even here in California. Register for this free access at https://www. trinityrep.com/show/a-christmascarol- 2020/. You can watch the performance as much as you like until 9 p.m. on Jan. 10, 2021.
“Virtual Christmas Carol Concert”: The EAGA, a.k.a. the Emmanu’-EL Apostolic Gospel Academy, the De Montfort University Gospel Choir, is excited to present a virtual Christmas Concert. For this exhilarating evening, the choir welcomes you to contact them at eaga@el-eaga. com with suggestions of carols you want them to cover. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ virtual-christmas-carol-concerttickets- 127662591247, then sing along on Dec. 17 at 11:30 a.m.
Beyond Symphonic Jazz Radio Series: Tune in to KJAZZFM 88.1 on Sundays at 9 p.m. for this weekly radio show hosted by Symphonic Jazz Orchestra Music Director Mitch Glickman. The third season includes interviews with Hubert Laws, David Sanchez, Gary Burton and more. You can listen on demand at https://kkjz.org/programming/ archivedPrograms/.
Handel’s Messiah: Watch this holiday classic sung by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs any time you want, thanks to this video of a live performance at the Sydney Opera House. Go to https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bR0cEOTpYSk.
Do you know of any upcoming Zoom events that you think your neighbors would enjoy this season? We welcome suggestions! Contact kathyt@lwsb.com.
David Benoit brings the classic tunes from "A Charlie Brown Christmas!" and other favorites to Rick's Café-and your home.
courtesy David Benoit
