Out and About: Hear heaps of holiday music, or find out ‘What’s Up’
O Christmas tunes
The Olympia Symphony Orchestra is getting in the spirit of the season — and inviting audience members to sing along — with “Home for the Holidays,” a free concert happening Wednesday, Dec. 23, at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Locals are clearly in the spirit, too: Every ticket has been claimed, though it is possible that some might become available at the last minute, said center executive director Jill Barnes. Barnes will be leading sing-alongs of such favorites as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” with Olympia Youth Chorus artistic director Nadine Bozeman. The music is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, and also will include music from “The Nutcracker” as well as such holiday favorites as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Sleigh Ride.” If you don’t make it into the theater, don’t despair: The symphony will be streaming the concert online beginning Dec. 24. Want another seasonal singing opportunity? Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia’s annual “Messiah Sing-Along” is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the center. It’s also free. The center requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for admission for those 12 and older.
Peace be with you
The Olympia Peace Choir’s “Standing in the Light,” originally scheduled for Dec. 10, was postponed due to stormy weather. The Winter Solstice concert and celebration is now scheduled to happen Friday, Dec. 17, in Huntamer Park, 618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey. The free concert will feature songs and stories by the community choir, and it’s also an opportunity to ooh and ahh at the elaborate lights display set up in the park through the end of the year. The choir members, who are all vaccinated, will be masked, and event organizers suggest that attendees wear masks and practice social distancing. If you’d like to sit for the concert, bring your own chair.
Screwball Streisand
It isn’t just the title of the 1972 Barbra Streisand comedy “What’s Up, Doc?” that echoes Bugs Bunny. The wascally wabbit was among the inspirations for the acclaimed film, opening at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at the Olympia Film Society’s Capitol Theater. “I absolutely love this movie,” said film society programming director Rob Patrick, who’ll introduce the film Friday. “It’s whirlwind and part caper. Nobody is better than Barbra Streisand, especially when it comes to making an entrance.” The 35-millimeter print also will screen at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 4 p.m. Jan. 8. Tickets are $11, $8 for film society members and $5 for children 12 and younger. The theater, at 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, requires proof of vaccination.
Freelance writer Molly Gilmore has a soft spot for Streisand’s “Yentl.” She talks about what’s happening in Olympia and beyond with 95.3 KGY-FM’s Michael Stein from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays.
This story was originally published December 16, 2021 at 5:00 AM.