The Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble, a community band, will offer its annual seasonal celebration concerts in Yachats on Saturday, Dec. 14 and in Florence on Sunday, Dec. 15.
The Yachats event begins at 2 p.m. at the Commons’ multipurpose room. The Florence concert begins at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church, 3996 U.S. Highway 101. Admission is free for both events, with hot drinks and light refreshments available. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
The concerts celebrate musical traditions that arose over the years around the time of the winter solstice. Selections from Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanza will be featured, along with secular pieces. Titles include “The Hallelujah Chorus”, “Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel” and “Auld Lang Syne.”
There will also be a chance for audience members to join in singing old and familiar holiday carols.
While admission is free, donations are welcomed to benefit two local charities: South Lincoln Resources of Waldport and Food Share of Florence.
The ensemble is comprised of musicians living along the central Oregon coast and from the Willamette Valley. The band is led by Ernie Hills, formerly of California State University Sacramento, and Edd Restivo, music teacher at Siuslaw High School.
More details about the band and how to join are available on its website.
The band is also scheduled to perform at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at the Sea of Lights celebration at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport.
