ICCA holiday lineup features John Prine tribute, ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ and more

LEAVENWORTH — The holiday lineup at Icicle Creek Center for the Arts (ICCA) will feature John Prine tribute, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Celtic Yuletide, and a choral-orchestral collaboration throughout the month of December.

The Jenner Fox Band will kick off the holidays with a “A John Prine Christmas” on Dec. 5, showcasing Prine’s classic hits, stories, and songs from his 1994 holiday album: A John Prine Christmas.

“John Prine could make you laugh and tear up in the same verse, and that’s the spirit of the holidays at their best,” said Shila Reeves, ICCA Director of Programming.

Bellingham-based Jenner Fox Band includes piano, electric and acoustic guitar, bass, and rich vocal harmonies, featuring folk troubadour and Prine scholar Jenner Fox. The evening will also include selections from Fox’s critically acclaimed original music.

Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will follow John Prine’s as it takes the ICCA stage on Dec. 10-11. The soundtrack in its entirety will be performed live by the Jose “Juicy” Gonzales Trio, honoring the original spirit while bringing warmth, swing, and soul to every note.

Through engaging storytelling, pianist and vocalist Jose “Juicy” Gonzales will share behind-the-scenes history of the music and the original 1965 TV special, bringing to life the magic that made “A Charlie Brown Christmas” into a cultural touchstone.

Celtic Yuletide by Magical Strings will return to Snowy Owl Theater a week later. Founded by Pam and Philip Boulding, Magical Strings has been sharing the joy of Celtic music and dance around the country since 1978. Throughout the evening of Dec. 17, the Boulding family and special guests will bring generations together for a joyful celebration of soulful music, storytelling and Irish step-dancing.

Later in the month, Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra and Columbia Chorale will meet on stage for an afternoon of carols, concert showpieces, and communal singing at the Snowy Owl Theater.

Starting at 3 p.m. on Dec. 20, the Heaven & Nature Sing program will feature Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” as well as Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” and include classics such as “O Holy Night,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World” and more. Audience members will be invited to sing along. The concert will be conducted by Jennifer Ferguson.

“We are so excited to welcome two of our valley’s finest musical ensembles to Snowy Owl to share these cherished classics! It will be a performance not to be missed,” said Claire Seaman, ICCA Associate Director.

More information and tickets can be found at icicle.org.