By Charlie Swanson
The holidays are a busy time of year, and no one is busier in the North Bay than the Marin Center, hosting several holiday-themed concerts between now and the end of 2016. From seasonal dance performances to symphony pops, the lineup appeals to all tastes and traditions. Here’s a breakdown of some of the many offerings.
No one can say that Marin County doesn’t know how to dance, and Marin Center’s forthcoming lineup of several dance companies proves that point with cheerful spectacles. First up, San Rafael’s Just Dance Academy presents its annual family-friendly winter performance on Sunday, November 20, complete with ballet, jazz, tap and even hip-hop routines. Up next, San Anselmo’s long-running Stapleton Ballet offers up a joyful adaptation of The Nutcracker on December 3 and 4, with more than 250 dancers bringing the Victorian-era Christmas tale to life.
The choreography continues with Mill Valley’s Performing Arts Academy of Marin presenting its own holiday spectacular, also on Dec. 3 and 4. The academy draws from its past and reimagines its original Christmas-themed production, A Scarf in Union Square.
Want more Nutcracker this season? Marin Ballet has your back, presenting the full-length version of the unstoppable classic on Dec. 10 and 11. Marin Ballet also offers special Candy Cane Parties after each matinee performance to keep the holiday cheer going.
Marin Center takes a break from tiptoe performances and lets the voices sing when it welcomes the Mayflower Chorus back for another beloved holiday concert. Since 1980, the chorus has been a popular tradition at the center, and this year, the members bring with them memories of a recent trip to Cuba for an inspiring and emotional concert of classic Christmas favorites and engaging sing-alongs on Dec. 9 and 10.
A recent Marin tradition, the Marin Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert is back on Dec. 13 for another family-friendly performance of classical works and Christmas carols that also features the Marin Symphony Chorus and Children’s Chorus, packing the stage with special guests and leading its own sing-along fun.
The songs keep coming on Dec. 18, when local troupe Singers Marin presents tunes that span Christmas, Hanukkah and other holiday works in a show titled ‘Tis the Season … Traditions—Near & Far.
Lastly, Christmas goes acoustic for the Windham Hill Winter Solstice 30th anniversary concert on Dec 21. The ensemble of acclaimed performers marks the shortest day of the year with warm, engaging songs perfect for the celebratory season.
Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael; 415/473-6800; tickets.marincenter.org.
