:: propagandART ~ December 15, 2003 ::

Holiday season is in full swing.
I hope the flu bug hasn't gotten to you!

In the chance you can get out and celebrate the holidays,
here are some great events that are worth getting out of the house
(and shopping malls) for.

Spread love!
-m@

:: Vince Learned: Piano Man ::

Now that my soccer season is over (until January),
I'll actually be able to hit Vince's gig in its entirety!
I was glad to report this to him last weekend.
Then, true to form...he generously invited me to sing a few songs.
My answer was quick and true: "HELL YES! I'd love to!"

So at some point during his two-hour set (6-8pm on Wed)
at the Del Ray Ballroom (8th and R in the Haymarket)
I get to steal some of Vince's spotlight and
run through a couple of standards,
and maybe a contemporary tune or two.

But in all honesty (and complete lack of modesty),
the best reason to come to the Del Ray on Wednsday
is to come hear Vince sing and play.

And if you come...be sure to let the staff know that you're
there to see Vince and encourage them to keep him on
the schedule for 2004!!

:: Christmas Carol ~ Last Weekend ::

OK...I'm going to be blunt....
I'm a bit of a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas Carol.
I've seen it a zillion times in many formats.
I know the story by heart and love it.
I mean come on, there's very little mystery about it anymore.
So I went to the Bob Hall/Haymarket production solely to support the people involved.

Well, as it turns out...this is the best version of Christmas Carol I've ever seen.
Seriously.
It was funny and charming and only an hour long (no intermission).
The cast was just great...including the most disciplined group of children
I've seen on stage in many many years. And I have to give a special mention
to Steve Gaines who is a delightfully crotchety old Scrooge.

And this version also features some great inside jokes for thespians.
Oh good lord, my sides about split during the first five minutes!

You have one more weekend to catch this wonderful telling of the Christmastime classic.

December 18-21 at the Haymarket Theater (803 Q St)
-Thursday, Friday & Saturday shows at 7:30PM
-Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2PM
Call now for tickets: 477.2600 ($15 General/$12 Senior/$9 Student)

:: Reflections On A Christmas Tree ~ Last Weekend ::

Inspired by a short Christmas sketch written by Charles Dickens, Reflections on a Christmas Tree features the stories of Dickens, A.A. Milne and L. Frank Baum, among others, as well as favorite holiday songs, told and sung around the Christmas tree. It’s an event for the entire family that celebrates holiday storytelling, time together and good cheer.

Bring your whole family to our house this holiday season. The Lincoln Community Playhouse is located at 56th and Normal Blvd.
Contact the box office for tickets: 489-7529 (PLAY). For more information, hit the LCP website:
http://www.lincolnplayhouse.com

Show Times:
• Thursday, December 18, 7:00 PM
• Friday, December 19, 7:00 PM
• Saturday, December 20, 1:00 & 4:00 PM
• Sunday, December 21, 1:00 & 4:00 PM

RUSH Tickets
The Lincoln Community Playhouse will have RUSH Tickets available for Reflections On A Christmas Tree, this Thursday, December 18. Rush Ticket price for this performance only is $5. Tickets may be purchased only at the Box Office from 5:00--6:00 pm. There is a limit of two Rush Tickets per person.

:: Brian Mathers' 6th Annual Christmas Cabaret ::

The Angels Theatre company presents:
Brian Mathers' 6th Annual Christmas Cabaret
7:30 PM at the Loft at the Mill
8th & P Streets in Lincoln
Dec. 19 & 20, 2003

Brian and guests take a humorous nontraditional look at the holidays through story and song. Special guests are Lettie VanHemert, Tammy Meneghini, Greg Peters, Robie Hayak, Nate Brandt, Kim Moore and Kim Matthews.

General Admission - $10.00 Students & Seniors - $5.00 -- Tickets available at the door.
Reservations available on line at http://www.angelscompany.org or by calling 474-2206.

:: Splitlip Rayfield ::

Saturday, December 20th @ 10 p.m. @ Knickerbockers $8 - SPLITLIP RAYFIELD. They are described as "post-punk progressive bluegrass". I call it fast f-in pickin. They are some podunk Kansas boys that play some of the best bluegrass you've ever heard....even if you don't like bluegrass.

-Andrea Breunig (ABRE3@allstate.com)

:: Nutcracker ::

The Lincoln Midwest Ballet is staging "The Nutcracker" at the Lied Center once again. There are 2 shows on Dec 20th - at 2 and 7:30 and again on Dec 21st at 2. The Lincoln Symphony will be accompanying the dancers in this traditional holiday fare so come on down and enjoy!

:: Handel's "Messiah" ::

Singing “Messiah” is a time-honored tradition in churches throughout England at holiday time. This Sunday you can take part in a community chorale concert sing along of Handel’s “Messiah.”

Singers of all voice ranges, abilities and ages are also welcome to join in the concert on Sunday, December 21, 7:30 p.m., at Kimball Recital Hall. Scores will be available for a $6 donation at the event. For details, contact the UNL School of Music at 472-2503 or Debbie Butt with Roper & Sons at 483-1111.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting the wishes of children with life threatening conditions.

:: Under 40 Democrats Holiday Bash ::

The Lancaster County Democratic Party is having its annual holiday party. Newly elected County Chair (and Under 40 Democrat) Justin Carlson and his wife, Liz Ring (also an U40), are opening up their house and you're invited! Holiday cheer is mandatory - the fruitcake is optional.

Thursday, December 18th
7:00 - 10:00 PM
1910 So. 24th Street, Lincoln

:: LCP Open House/Town Hall Meeting ::

LCP will host an open house/town hall event on Tuesday, December 16th 5:30 - 7:30. The purpose of the event is to speak with the volunteer community of artists and stage volunteers about LCP's operations. We'll talk about and listen to opinions about play selection, casting, directing and issues of concern to LCP volunteer and free-lance artists. Everyone is welcome.

LCP Box Office: 489-7529