The DC Traveler

Enjoy a wonderful Chanukah celebration of the diversity of today’s Jewish music by Washington, DC artists. Tomorrow night, at Strathmore in North Bethesda, musicians from around the DC area are staging a live version of the Strathmore Music Center-produced CD, A Chanukah Feast.
From klezmer bands to hip hop, hard rock and honky tonk; this should be a concert for the whole family to enjoy.  It’s a unique collection of some of the best of the annual Jewish holiday celebration songs.
With classics (and not so classics), like O Khanuke, O Khanuke, (I have a little) Dreydl, Honky Tonk Hanukkah and …read more

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Enjoy a selection of live international Christmas and holiday music sung by the Bach Consort and their orchestra.  The annual concert at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC includes Baroque period selections by :

Johann Sebastian Bach – Germany
Whitaker  – United States
Tavernier – United Kingdom
Valletta – France
Villa-Lobos – Brazil
Chesnokov – Russia
Ødegaard – Norway
Lewis – Wales

Bach Consort – An International Christmas
National Presbyterian Church
4101 Nebraska Avenue, NW
Washington, DC, 20016 (map it)
Dates and Times – December 21, 2008, 3:00 p.m.
Tickets – $20.00 – $55.00, call 202-429-2121. 
Nearest Metro Subway Station – Tenleytown-AU – Red line, then a 4-block walk.
Parking – Free parking in …read more

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Here’s your chance to hear the closest thing to angels singing, a performance of Christmas music by the famous Vienna Boys Choir.

A symbol of Austrian music for nearly 500 years, the choir has delighted music lovers, starting with King Maximilian I who, in 1498, had the choir formed, consisting of a dozen boys to the royal court.  Since then, the choir has worked with composers such as Mozart, Salieri, Haydn and Schubert.
The choir brings in their angelic voices to sing of peace and happiness during the holiday season.  The program includes holiday music ranging from Gregorian chants through popular Christmas …read more

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The Cathedral Choral Society join with the United Voices Scandinavian Youth Choir and the choirs of St. Alban’s and National Cathedral School to present a Washington, DC family favorite event – The Joy Of Christmas.
This year’s annual concert will feature, not only a host of familiar holiday carols, the cathedral’s majestic organ and carillon, as well as a world premier of a new Christmas carol.
The Joy of Christmas
Washington National Cathedral
3000 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC  20016  (map it)
Dates and Times – Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, 2008 at 4:00 p.m., plus special family concert at Noon on Saturday.
Tickets …read more

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West Side Story is the classic American love story musical, about forbidden love between the member of one rival New York street gangs  and the sister of another.  The two rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, each coming from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, fight for their turf during the 1950s, in the rough streets of Hells Kitchen.
With the familiar musical score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim and songs such as "America," "Maria," and "I Feel Pretty", adds to the story on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
The production coming to the National Theater in Washington, DC starting December 15th …read more

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra takes a non-traditional approach to holiday music and Christmas carols by playing them in a rock opera style, that has caused them to receive critical acclaim.  Their sound includes the band’s three founding members, plus, at least in the studio, includes a 60-piece orchestra and full choir.  On the road, the band is reduced to only a dozen musicians, plus another dozen singers.
Since 1996, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has release 6 CDs, all but one Christmas and holiday music, with another one scheduled soon, but seemingly held up in production.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Verizon Center
601 F Street, NW, (between 6th and …read more

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The Christmas Concert for Charity   at the Bacilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has entertained residents of Washington DC for 20 years.
With classical vocal and symphonic holiday music performed by a full symphony orchestra, over 125 singers and the delightful Bacilica Choir, the concert is a great way to help the poor and start your holiday cheer.
Drawing standing-room-only crowds, besides wonderful music, enjoy the view of one of the nation’s most ornate and stunning shrines. 
Christmas Concert for Charity   National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Ave., …read more

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A young, innocent and beautiful peasant girl, falls in love with the handsome nobleman, she believes is just a peasant like her.
When she discovers his deceit and that he is betrothed to the daughter of the prince, she is driven mad and dies of a broken heart after her discovering the truth.
She later comes back to protect her former lover by helping him survive the evil spell cast on him by wicked ghosts.
The production of Giselle by the San Francisco ballet is complete with lavish sets and costumes, classic music and world-class dancers that set the standard for romantic …read more

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A little late this month, but November delivers some great live music around the Washington, DC area.
At The Birchmere:

Powerhouse singer Susan Tedeschi – Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 – $35.00
Christmas with Aaron Neville & His Quintet – Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 at 7:30 – $45.00

The Birchmere 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, Virginia 22305 (map it)
At the State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia

Los Enanitos Verdes from Argentina – Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 9:00 – $30.00
The Radiators with their New Orleans funky Rock & Roll sound …read more

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Expect a tight performance from music pioneer, David Byrne and crew, at his upcoming show at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC.
With all of the performers dressed alike in cream-colored outfits, Byrne will be backed by 4 musicians, a couple singers and several dancers.
As a founding member and principal songwriter of the new wave band, Talking Heads, David Byrne has been recognized with Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe awards. 
Since departing form the talking Heads, Byrne has scored a ballet for with choreographer Twyla Tharp, delved deeply in to Latin rhythms and has written or played various musical …read more

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