Cliffe College presents three holiday performances this week

Get your holiday cheer on as students in YSU’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts present three performances this week featuring cocoa, cabaret and some good old-fashioned carolin’.

“Our broad array of performances is sure to make your holidays brighter, and we invite you to enjoy our sounds of the season with family and friends,” said Phyllis Paul, dean. “All of us in Cliffe College wish your loved ones and you a beautiful holiday and a new year of peace and happiness."

• Wednesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., the popular Carols & Cocoa and Dana Holiday Concert returns to Stambaugh Auditorium, Fifth Avenue, Youngstown, after last year’s pandemic hiatus. The evening begins with Carols & Cocoa, featuring seasonal favorites performed by the YSU Clarinet, Flute and Trombone ensembles, Stambaugh Chorus, Horn Choir, Dana Chorale, Dana Chamber Vocal Ensemble and Voices of YSU, concluding with an audience holiday sing-along.

After a sip of intermission cocoa, it’s time for the Dana Holiday Concert, with music by the Dana Symphony Orchestra, Brass Quintet, Jazz Ensemble, Dana Symphony Orchestra Brass and Dana Symphony Orchestra Strings, Dana Symphony Orchestra and the Festival Symphonic Choir. The repertoire includes well-known holiday selections, featuring Vivaldi’s Gloria with soloists Brianne Samson of Sharon, Pa., and Marlina Karimi of West Palm Beach, Fla. Guest performers included the Avonworth, Pa., High School Chamber Singers, the Lakeview High School Madrigal Singers and the Stambaugh Chorus.

Ticket $10 for adults, $9 for students from other schools and senior citizens, and free for children under 12 and anyone with a valid YSU ID. Tickets limited to 500 and available in advance at www.stambaughauditorium.com, in-person at Stambaugh or at 330-259-0555.

• Friday, December 10, 6:30 p.m., YSU Visual & Dramatic Arts presents “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Musical Theatre Cabaret” at B&O Station Banquet Hall, 530 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. Doors open 5:45 p.m.

The event includes Jazz, Country and Delta Blues holiday-themed music and features nearly 30 popular seasonal songs performed by YSU students in the Musical Theatre program: Rue Deja, Ambridge, Pa.; Adam Dominick, Lancaster, Ohio; Belle Elliott, Indian Lake, Ohio; Lacey Farina, Schenectady, N.Y.; Samantha Gurd, Poland, Ohio; Nathanael Montgomery, Columbiana, Ohio; Meredith Pallo, Sharpsville, Pa.; Mitchell Sharp, Beloit, Ohio; Destinee Thompson, Akron, Ohio, and Elise Vargo, Westerville, Ohio.

All tickets, including senior, children and YSU, are $25 and available in advance at www.ysu.edu/theatertickets. Limited tickets may be available at the door but must be purchased with cash or checks. Pub menu and beverages available. Proceeds benefit the YSU Musical Theatre program.

• Saturday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m., Horns A Carolin’ at St. John’s Episcopal Church of Youngstown, 323 Wick Ave., presented by the Dana School of Music. Free and open to the public. Area horn players of all levels are invited to bring their instruments to perform a selection of traditional seasonal tunes in a casual atmosphere with the students in Professor Sean Yancer’s horn studio. 

Masks required in all venues. More information at 330-727-7514.