15th Annual Winter Solstice Spiral Dance 2009

15^th Annual Winter Solstice Spiral Dance 2009 presents:
“ A-Wassailing ! ”

Saturday, December 19, 7 pm

Willits Grange, 291 School St.

The 15th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration will have a choral theme this year. The spiral dance will occur at the end of the evening as always. This year we are blending our annual event with the Vocal Jazz Ensemble performance piece holding center stage.

“A-Wassailing” is a mock contest between peasants and nobles, set in Olde England.  The medium is the Christmas carol–the audience will be the judge!  Two groups of singers from the Vocal Jazz Ensemble will take part, one singing classical and the other folk-based carols from across the centuries and continents.  The more experienced classically trained “nobles” will set the bar very high.  The “peasants” have youth and enthusiasm on their side.  Both groups have a unique collection of carols, many of which will be new to you. This is the final performance of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, a class from Mendocino College (Willits Center) taught by Don Willis, who also created the concept for “A-Wassailing.”

Join us for a romp thru time, from medieval sacred music to modern jazz, as we celebrate the turning of the Wheel with a caroling ‘sing-off’ of peasants vs. nobles. Be prepared for a wild, entertaining ride!

This is a benefit for the Grange Remodel Project. $5-10 at the door.