free Christmas Eve performance at the Music Center, Dec 24, from 3pm to 6pm

Downtown Los Angeles on Grand Ave is home to Wells Fargo Bank's Museum where you can ride on a Wells Fargo stagecoach with "moving" scenery.  See early banking artifacts and the history of Wells Fargo from the Gold Rush era.  Across the street is California Water Plaza where a water fountain dances upward to a specific pumping pattern and where a cascading pool is enclosed by an outdoor eating area - a wonderful place for a picnic.   So go early by 12noon to get your wristbands and you will have time to explore the LA Cathedral where there are animal sculptures your kids can climb on and a "beehive" you can get inside.  Or camels or tortoises to sit on.   A reasonably priced cafe in LA Cathedral provides lunch fare.  The cathedral has beautiful tapestries on either wall of recognizable and non-famous Catholics in the history of Catholicism ... the tapestry was printed on computer and the patterned threads were put together in Belgium.  These details came from a documentary on PBS on how the tapestry was created.   Don't forget to go down to the crypts or the small exhibits inside the cathedral and the peaceful areas outside the cathedral. 

Take the opportunity to enjoy downtown before coming back to the 3pm show below with your wristbands ensuring you a seat.  Don't forget parking is free for this performance.

For details, see http://lacountyarts.org/holiday.html

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Friday, December 24, 2010, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

See it live at the Music Center | Watch it on KCET-TV
Stream it on KCET.org  | Hear it on KPFK 90.7 FM

An annual tradition, the Emmy-nominated music and dance extravaganza is L.A.'s biggest holiday show - and it's FREE, so bring the whole family! Or, enjoy it from the comfort of your home on KCET-TV, KCET.org or KPFK 90.7 FM, while you finish decorating the tree or steaming tamales!
"Childhood Holiday Memories” is the theme for this year’s Holiday Celebration, broadcast live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on KCET-TV. 24 groups and nearly 800 performers will present music and dance of the season from the many neighborhoods and cultures of Los Angeles.

Students from Gabriella Axelrad Education Foundation will emulate toy soldiers in a Dixieland-style tap dance performance, Mr. Vallenato will play Columbian Folk Accordion music, Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy will perform “One Drum Dance,” traditional holiday songs will be sung by current and former LAUSD music teachers in the LACESMA Women’s Chorale, Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers will draw attention to the work of African-American composers, Halau O Lilinoe will perform an ancient style of hula, and a range of seasonal stylings from traditional to contemporary will be presented by the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, Elliot Deutsch Big Band, Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, Loch and Key, Santa Monica Chorus and Young Angels Choir, and many more.

Attendance & Parking are FREE | Doors open at 2:30 PM

Wristbands required for entry 

Although no tickets or reservations are necessary, wristbands are required for entry. Wristbands will be handed out, one per person, starting at 11:30 a.m. Seating is first come, first served. Once a wristband is obtained, attendees will not have to wait in line. When all wristbands have been distributed, standbys will be tracked in order of arrival and admitted if seats are vacated.