Friends, the joyful vibes at DPAC are multiplying and as warming as the layers we bundle up in before venturing outside. It’s palpable, the way memory inserts the scents and sounds of celebrations past into the present. Soon, the center’s south lobby focal point becomes a magnificent Christmas tree—hand decorated each year by our staff. Of course, it’s a massive artificial tree; yet, the heart and care that goes into making every detail just so transforms it and you can almost smell the piney edge of fresh sap and the outdoor air caught within the needles. And because the Grinch, Rudolph, and Charlie Brown remind us this time of year that love for family, neighbors, and humankind won’t be found in the doorbuster bin let’s all delight in every excuse to get together with those we care about, meet some new folks, and enjoy the good fruits of life.
So far this season our audiences have already been delighted by Chic@no rock, a singalong, and a roof-raising gospel-soul-jazz triple bill on the Presenting Series and by the Browning Cinema’s schedule including the popular series RKO Classics and appearances of several filmmakers.
To round out 2017 may we suggest …
Third Coast Percussion on December 1. As we like to say, the boys are back in town! Our Ensemble-in-Residence (and 2016 Grammy winners!) perform some of the incredible new music commissioned throughout their five-year relationship with DPAC. Experience percussion repertoire that is of your time, and become more familiar with the substantial artistic contributions from a variety of composers, whose influences include traditional classical music, rock and jazz, minimalism, and experimental music.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), December 3 and Miracle on 34th Street (1947), December 10. Bah humbug to seeing these Sunday Family Film classics on the small screen with commercial interruptions! Bring the extended fam to the Browning—because children 12 and under are admitted for free—and load up on tasty concessions to make it a relaxing afternoon at the movies. Use your ticket as a coupon for 10% off dinner at Rohr’s at the Morris Inn and enjoy the Christmas-y sights and sounds on a self-guided tour of Notre Dame.
Get into the spirit even more with these end-of-year staples from the Department of Music.
Handel’s Messiah, December 1–2
University Band Winter Concert, December 3
Opera Notre Dame: Opera Scenes, December 3 + 5
Notre Dame Jazz Band, December 3
Notre Dame Glee Club Christmas Concert, December 9
Gift the arts. Gift cards make the perfect holiday gift! They can be used towards any event including our incredible lineup of Presenting Series artists. Keep them for yourself or give them to family and friends!
