6 holiday music events to check out in Columbia
What would the holidays be without music?
There are plenty of seasonal music events on tap in coming days.
We’ve selected five for you to consider. Watch for others coming up this month here in Go Columbia and at www.gocolumbia.com.
Raleigh Ringers
The cheerful handbell chimes heard in churches around the world will help ring in the Christmas season in Newberry.
The Raleigh Ringers are known for playing handbells with a twist, with unique renditions of songs from several genres of music, ranging from church hymns to rock ’n’ roll.
The group will perform Saturday at the Newberry Opera House.
The Raleigh Ringers, hailing from their namesake city in North Carolina, have been playing since 1990 under the direction of David M. Harris. The group has released six CDs and two DVDs of holiday concerts, as well as performed in 39 states, Washington D.C., Canada and France.
8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Newberry Opera House, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry. $30, plus $1 per seat facility fee. www.newberryoperahouse.com
Christmas Laser Fantasy
When Christmas fanatics think of holiday lights, lasers are probably not what comes to mind. But the S.C. State Museum is making them the star of a show, featuring a colorful laser show choreographed to Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music throughout December.
The museum is hosting the Christmas Laser Fantasy in its BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium.
Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 30 million records and is known for its modern renditions of Christmas music, blending classical music and rock. The show runs about 40 minutes.
7 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 29 at the S.C. State Museum, 301 Gervais St. Ticket prices and packages at www.scmuseum.org.
Lexington County Choral Society
One group of passionate singers based in Lexington County has performed as far away as Europe, but area residents have a chance to see its gift of music at home this holiday season. The Lexington County Choral Society will perform at Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, at Saxe-Gotha Prebyterian Church in Lexington.
The group is celebrating its 20th season with its concerts, and this one, “The Beautiful Sounds of Christmas,” is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
The choral society has participated in more than than 60 concerts and given more than $20,000 in voice and piano scholarships to middle and high school students in Lexington and Richland counties.
Special guests at the concerts will be Lexington District One Children’s Honor Choir and this year’s scholarship recipients.
7:30 p.m Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5, at Saxe-Gotha Prebyterian Church, 5503 Sunset Blvd., Lexington. $20, adults; $15, seniors and military; $5, students. www.lexcochoralsoc.org
Fort Jackson 282nd Army Victory Band
Some of the Army’s best musicians will help boost the morale of area residents with a holiday concert here in Columbia. Fort Jackson’s 282nd Army Victory Band will perform a free concert Monday, Dec. 7 at the Koger Center.
The band features musicians who also serve as soldiers. Their duties include performing at ceremonies and morale-building events for soldiers and fulfilling other military tasks.
The 282nd Army Band dates to 1869 when it started in Richmond, Va. After it was deactivated in 1949, following service in Washington D.C., Hawaii and Korea, the 282nd Army Band reactivated and was reassigned to Fort Jackson in 1956.
The band has served with distinction and earned battle streamers in the Indian Wars, the Philippine Insurrection and World War II. The band also supports the communities and areas near the base by performing in parades, presenting concerts and participating in ceremonies.
7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7 at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free.
USC Concert Choir
Two holiday performances on tap this season offer the opportunity not only to get into the holiday spirit but to hear some of the University of South Carolina’s most talented musicians.
Two shows are coming up this weekend at First Presbyterian Church and Shandon United Methodist Church.
Both concerts free and open to the public.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 at First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion St.; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3704 Devine St. Free. www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/music
Decembersongs
Decembersongs is the brainchild of the Nashville folk group Wild Ponies.
Get ready for an evening of playful banter, soulful songs, and well-known Christmas favorites.
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at UU Coffeehouse, corner of Heyward and Woodrow streets in Shandon. $15 in advance, $17 at the door. (803) 200-2824, www.uucoffeehouse.org