Christmas at Home finally comes home

Published 10:31 am Thursday, January 5, 2017

A snowstorm kept “Christmas at Home” from the stage of the Historic Paramount Theatre in December, but “Christmas” is finally coming home.

Musicians from Austin Public Schools will be featured in three performances of “After Christmas at Home,” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday; and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, all at the Paramount Theater.

The already-popular event, in its second year, is a musical and fun-filled fundraiser for the schools’ music departments.

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Elementary, high school students and friends will perform.

The funds from “Christmas at Home” benefit all students in first through 12th grades. Last year $12,000 was raised for the following items, according to Nikky Tolde, music instructor at I.J. Holton: Tubano drums for Sumner and Banfield schools; band instrument repairs for school-owned instruments; 24 carbon fiber cellos and bass bows for orchestra instruction; and payment for a piano accompanist, choir folders, bussing for rehearsals to Knowlton, and music octavos of the choir.

Tolde called the event “more than a fundraiser.”

“It is a way to bring the community together and provide a tradition for the town of Austin during the holiday season,” she said. “We hope to continue this for many years to come. It is our gift and a gift we can give our students, to see musicians from elementary to retirement. Music is something that can stay with you through many seasons of life.”

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door (students, $5). For more information or to purchase tickets, stop by the Austin ArtWorks Center, call 507-434-0934 or go to www.austinareaarts.org.

On Friday evening, the following will be in the line-up: Sumner Elementary School choir, Austinaires, Ellis Middle School Chamber Orchestra, Southgate Elementary School choir, faculty jazz, faculty quartet, Peter Jacobs, Phillips, Kate Jordal, Pam Koser, Taylor Bliese, Houseband/Muzik and finale.

On Saturday, performing will be Neveln Elementary School choir, La Fiera, Ellis Middle School small band ensemble, I. J. Holton Glee Club, Northwestern Singers, faculty jazz, Dave Hovland, Ann Flisrand/handbells, Huizinga, Angela Kelly, Alice Holst, Peter Jacobs and finale.

In the third and final performance, the following will be featured: Banfield Elementary School choir, Jazz One, Ellis Middle School Early Bird choir, Northwestern Singers, Austin Harmonics, faculty quartet, Scott Blackenbaker, Brian Koser, Jesse Smith, Kaye Perry, Penny Kinney, Carrie Braaten and finale.

Thursday

•Free Ski and Snowshoe Rental, 3 to 6 p.m., Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, 1304 21st St. NE. Free ski and snowshoe rental every Thursday afternoon through February, depending on snow conditions.  For more information, call 507-437-7519.

•Movie at the Museum, 5 to 7 p.m., SPAM Museum, 101 Third Ave. NE. Free event and popcorn, too!  Watch “50 First Dates” starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore; rated PG-13.  Seating is limited to the first 40 guests so get here early or call ahead; 507-437-5100.

Friday

•Christmas At Home, 7:30 p.m., Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Ave NE. Austin students and other local favorites join together for a music fest that showcases talent and more talent. The event is a fundraiser that supports our school music programs.

Saturday

•Masonic Pancake Feed, 9 a.m. to noon, Austin Masonic Lodge, 303A N. Main St. The Austin Masons host an all-you-can-eat pancake feed for $5 per person, Come and enjoy pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk and coffee.

•Christmas At Home, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Ave NE. Austin students and other local favorites join together for a music fest that showcases talent and more talent. The event is a fundraiser that supports our school music programs.

Monday

•History Happy Hour – The Archeology of Bones, 5:30- 8 p.m., Hormel Historic Home, 203 Fourth Ave. Presented by Elena Haymond. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., and presentation at 6 p.m.. Refreshments available. Free for members of the HHH, Friends of the Library, and Mower County Historical Society; $5 for non-members. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

Tuesday

•Open Dome Family Time, 9 to 11 a.m., Packer Dome, Wescott Field. Enjoy lots of fun activities during open dome times. All families and caregivers with young children are invited to participate in our Open Dome events. Cost is $2 per child or $5 per family. For more information, call Dan at 507-460-1928.