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Winterfest Weekend, Dec. 18-20

This especially spirited Winterfest weekend offers the breadth of inspiring music, from classical to Hip-Hop, Jazz and Gospel, presented by some of the region’s most evocative, unusual and impassioned artists. All performances are free and open to the public.

Seattle Center Winterfest offers Saturday afternoon ice sculpting and bonfire sing-alongs. The Winter Train and Village return this year, along with Winterfest Ice Rink and Classic Carousel. Details on Dec. 18 – 20 events are listed below.  For more information on Winterfest, call 206 684.7200 or click on http://www.seattlecenter.com/

 EVENT LISTING FOR DEC. 18 – 20          

Microsoft Orchestra, Friday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m., Center House, FREE. More than just a software giant, Microsoft is also home to many accomplished musicians – programmers and promoters by day and impassioned artists by night – who form a 60-member orchestra that tours around the region. The Orchestra’s 90-minute concert is sure to inspire the spirit of the season.

Ice Sculpting, Saturday, Dec. 19, 12 noon – 2 p.m., Outside Fisher Pavilion, FREE. Artistry and ice unite in a glorious and temporal expression of the season as internationally acclaimed, award-winning artists create seasonal sculptures. Watch while they work or stop by later to see the glistening result. Each Saturday an ice master will carve a different design.

Global Heat – Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop and Break Dance, Saturday, Dec. 19, 1 p.m., Center House, FREE. Formed in 2004, this collaboration of international musicians thrills audiences with its live, high-energy mix of hip hop, world jazz, and R&B, bringing positive messages about life, world events, and just plain old gettin’ down. Add some of Seattle’s best break-dancers and you have a visually stunning show.

Fireside Singing, Saturdays, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Outside Fisher Pavilion, FREE. Take a mid-weekend break from the frenzy of the season and share in warmth and music around the crackling flames of a bonfire. Folksinger Hank Cramer will lead passers-by in a mix of original, traditional and contemporary folk holiday songs as embers illuminate the night.

Eastside Modern Jazz Orchestra, Saturday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Center House, FREE. Explore the genres that help define jazz, from New Orleans Dixieland, big band-style swing, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian jazz to jazz-rock fusion, funk from the 1970’s and acid jazz.

Peace on Earth, Sunday, Dec. 20, 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m., Center House, FREE.  People of all cultures will come together to share in Jewish, Arab and Christian traditions with an inspiring and spirited lineup, including the renowned choir from INTIMAN Theatre’s Black Nativity Choir, Seattle’s original world fusion band Hejira, and the intergenerational singers, dancers and musicians of Klez Kidz. 12:30pm, Pat Wright & The Black Nativity Choir; 1:30pm, Hejira; 2:30pm, Klez Kidz.

Christian Swenson – Human Jazz, Sunday, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 21, 12 p.m., Center House, FREE. A skilled dancer, mime, singer and speaker, Christian Swenson freely becomes other people and creatures showing audiences a place in all of us where humor and beauty are one. From Asian throat-singing to jazz cartoons, Sufi poetry to lumbering dinosaurs, straight-talk about brain chemistry to “word” improvisations, it all comes pouring forth from this singular human being.

WINTERFEST EVERYDAY

The following Seattle Center Winterfest attractions are available any day of the week.  Extended dates for Ice Rink and Classic Carousel:  November 27 – January 3

Winter Train and Village, Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, 10am – 7pm, Center House, FREE.

Winterfest Ice Rink, Nov. 27 – Jan. 3; Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 8pm; Friday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm, Fisher Pavilion, $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6 – 12. Skate rental: $2. Cash only.

Classic Carousel, Nov. 27 – Jan. 4, Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 8pm; Friday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm, Outside Fisher Pavilion, $1 per ride.