65 years and the Artistry of Los Angeles on Dec. 24

Tickets Required for Entrance to Free Annual Performance
at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 

LOS ANGELES (November 15, 2024) — A Los Angeles holiday tradition since 1959, the two-time Emmy® award-winning L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns on Tuesday, December 24 to celebrate 65 years with a fresh look and feel to welcome a new generation of audiences.

Sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and presented by The Music Center, the one-of-a-kind, free, three-hour spectacular provides Angelenos an opportunity to come together every year on Christmas Eve and experience the variety of rich, dynamic cultures that can be found throughout Los Angeles County. Audiences can choose to watch in person at The Music Center’s iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, from the comfort of their own homes on TV at PBS SoCal, online at pbssocal.org and on the free PBS App.

A new producing team from Milktmade and Executive Producer Lindha Narvaez will embrace the evolution of the 65th annual show with a fresh approach including new artistic genres, such as a circus act and a marionette performance. Audiences will also enjoy watching performances by dance companies, music ensembles and choral groups.

“This year’s L.A. County Holiday Celebration will demonstrate the County’s commitment to inclusivity and response to the interests of even more Angelenos,” said Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center. “The show will be exciting, building on its 65-year history, while offering new experiences that will resonate with both long-term fans and those who will enjoy it for the first time.”

A diverse line-up of 28 Los Angeles-based artists will take the stage to present their artistry and traditions. The show will include several pre-produced mini-documentaries to highlight some of the artists’ unique stories.

Returning favorites include the vibrant, non-denominational Christian Fellowship Chorale; Grammy® award-winner Daniel Ho with Hawaiian hula dancers Hālau Hula Keali’i o Nālani; acclaimed Latin music ensemble Gabrielito y La Verdad; L.A.’s beloved Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles; traditional Korean dance and music ensemble Kim Eung Hwa & Korean Dance Academy; all-female mariachis Las Colibrí; the delightful MUSYCA Children’s Choir; award-winning Palmdale High School Choral Union and Sunday Night Singers; the electric Reverb Tap Company; Ricardo Lemvo and his band Makina Loca, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with pan-African styles; a cappella and handbell ensemble The Citrus Singers; and Urban Voices Project, a choir comprised of men and women surviving homelessness on Skid Row.

New to the show this year are Afro Peruvian Experience, promoting the cultural diversity of Peru; soul singer-songwriter Andre Cruz; award-winning jazz vocalist Anji Tan & Friends; the college-bound dancers from Esperanza College Prep that make up Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza; dynamic, all-Queens Afro Brazilian drum ensemble Bloco Obini; the legendary Bob Baker Marionette Theater; Indian classical and Bollywood dancers Joya Kazi Entertainment; Bavarian band Ladyhosen; young aerialists from Le PeTiT CiRqUe LA; all-female independent band Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas; dance from Martha L.Z. Pamintuan & Long Beach City College; Masanga Marimba playing popular music from Africa and Latin America; the Straight Up Abilities dance team, made up of talented individuals with disabilities; powerful guitar band The String Revolution; vibrant community-based dance ministry Victory Praise Dancers; and Yaya Dance Academy, bridging Eastern and Western dance.

The 65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration will take place on Tuesday, December 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance to the in-person event is free; however, advance tickets are required for entrance. Tickets are general admission and are available now online at holidaycelebration.org. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.; there will also be a standby line for anyone interested in attending, but who may not have a ticket. Entry without a reserved ticket is not guaranteed. Ticket holders arriving after 3:30 p.m. will relinquish their reserved seats and be directed to the standby line.
 

WHAT:
The two-time Emmy® Award-winning L.A. County Holiday Celebration joyously returns to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to celebrate its 65th anniversary with a free, live, in-person holiday show. The annual event will feature over two dozen music ensembles, choirs, dance companies, circus acts and marionette performances from the many neighborhoods and cultures of L.A. County. Those who can’t make it to The Music Center on Dec. 24 will be able to watch the event live on PBS SoCal, livestream it online at pbssocal.org,  or catch the encore broadcast on PBS SoCal Plus. Entrance to the in-person event is free; however, advance tickets are required for admittance. Tickets are available now at holidaycelebration.org.

WHEN:
• Free, ticketed in-person event: Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
• A live broadcast of the show airs on PBS SoCal on Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 3 p.m.–6 p.m., with an encore on PBS SoCal Plus on Wednesday, Dec. 25 from 8 p.m.–11 p.m.
• Live streaming at pbssocal.org

WHERE:
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

PARKING:
FREE in The Music Center parking garage.

ADMISSION:
• FREE but ticketed; Tickets available at holidaycelebration.org.

HOW:
Information hotline: (213) 972-3099 or holidaycelebration.org

Rubicon Theatre Company of Ventura

Launches New Special Event Series

VENTURA LIVE! 

Music, Laughter and Magic

Featuring One-Night and Short-Run Concerts, Jam Sessions, New Play Readings, Magic Nights, Comedy, and Much More

12 Events! May 11 – June 15 at Rubicon Theatre in Ventura!

April 22, 2024 (Ventura, CA) – Rubicon Theatre Company, celebrating its 25^th Anniversary Season this year, announces the launch of its exciting new special event series, “VENTURA LIVE! Music, Laughter and Magic,” featuring one-night and short-run concerts, jam sessions, new play readings, magic nights, comedy, and much more. The series runs from May 11 – June 15, 2024. From a reading of a new rock-and-roll musical to a side-splitting comedy and soulful tributes, this diverse series promises to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages and tastes. All events will take place at Rubicon’s home, The Karyn Jackson Theatre in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District, 1006 E. Main Street. For tickets, go to www.rubicontheatre.org or call (805) 667-2900.

“We are thrilled to launch our new series ‘VENTURA LIVE!’ an exciting milestone for us,” says KARYL LYNN BURNS, Producing Artistic Director of Rubicon Theatre Company. 

“The ideas came from a desire to make the theatre more of a community hub,” continues Burns, “and to welcome new audiences to our venue.” 

“Our goal is to produce and present events between our mainstage theatrical productions and on off-nights at the theatre,” continues Burns, “and to expand our offerings with a diverse range of live entertainment that will bring more music, joy and laughter to audiences of all ages at a affordable price. (Most events are between $20 and $40, with some free.) With such a diverse lineup of talent and entertainment, VENTURA LIVE! has something for everyone to enjoy.” 

Event Series Lineup:

Saturday, May 11 @ 7 pm

MAKE YOUR OWN KIND OF MUSIC

An Evening Celebrating the 60s’ & 70s’ Most Iconic Women in Music 

Tickets: $39.50

Sunday, May 12 @ 3 pm (Mother’s Day)

FROM BROOKLYN TO BROADWAY

Tony and Emmy Award-Winner Lillias White in Concert

Tickets: $39.50

Friday, May 17 @ 7 pm & Saturday, May 18 @ 2 pm 

THE FOLK LEGACY TRIO IN CONCERT

Lifetime Grammy Winners Play and Sing Folk Favorites

Tickets: $69.50 | $89.50 for VIP Seats with Post-Show Reception with the Artists with (by popular demand) Irish stew, breads, cheeses and stout. (Friday Performance Only)

Member of the Banjo Hall of Fame GEORGE GROVE and RICK DOUGHERTY (both Lifetime Grammy Winners with The Kingston Trio) and JERRY SIGGINS (The Diamonds) perform folk favorites. The Trio brings dynamic vocals and instrumental arrangements to songs from The Weavers, Peter, Paul and Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Paxton, Simon & Garfunkel and others.

Monday, May 20 @ 7 pm w/Talkback Following

SOMEBODY TO LOVE

Reading of a New Rock-and-Roll Musical in Development

Written by ROBERT STERNIN and PRUDENCE FRASER (“The Nanny”/Off-Broadway)

Directed by SEAN DANIELS 

Musical Direction by BRETT RYBACK 

Musical Supervision by DILLON KONDOR 

Sunday, May 26 @ 6:30 pm

Be the Revolution presents

PALOMINO NIGHTS

Country and Rhythm Revue

A Benefit for Theatre and Advocacy Education Programs in the Community

Tickets: $25 at door | $20 in advance

Embark on a musical journey as a thrilling group of bands and artists including BEAU RED, MARK MASSON (Shaky Feelin’), THE VAN ALLEN TWINS, and JAY PONTI, pay homage to icons such as Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, and the Allman Brothers.

Thursday, May 30 @ 7 pm

MARLEY’S GHOST

Tickets: $39.50

Composed of Singer/Multi-Instrumentalists: DAN WHEETMAN, JON WILCOX, MIKE PHELAN, ED LITTLEFIELD JR., JERRY FLETCHER AND BOB NICHOLS

A night with Marley’s Ghost transcends genres and generations, with an eclectic, rollicking set featuring Honky Tonk, Texas Swing, Folk, Country, Swampy Blues and ballads invoking the great crooners of years past. More than three decades from that initial spark, they’re still playing together with the same passion, purpose and chemistry that inspired them early on.

Friday, May 31 @ 7 pm

STARS OF TOMORROW

Directed by Joseph Fuqua and Miriam Arichea

Musical Direction by Miriam Arichea

Choreography by Jesse Graham

Tickets $39.50

A Benefit for Rubicon’s Education and Outreach Programs

Sponsored by Dr. Jeanne P. Adams, Anonymous, Barbara Meister and the Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Charitable Foundation

This benefit concert features outstanding talented young artists from Rubicon’s Education and Outreach programs and alumni in an all-star evening of song and dance.

Saturday, June 1 @ 7 pm

JERRY ROCHA COMEDY HOUR: CANCER CULTURE

Tickets: $25 at door | $20 in advance

Known for appearances on Netflix, Conan, Comedy Central, and Last Comic Standing, powerhouse comedian Rocha shares the power of laughter to bring light to the darkest of times.

Sunday, June 2 @ 7 pm

IN LOVE WITH A WONDERFUL GUY

Golden Globe Award-Winner Amanda McBroom in Concert

Tickets: $39.50 | $55 includes VIP After-Party with food, birthday cake, wines and “George’s Socks” (a whiskey flight) 

Golden Globe Award-Winner AMANDA McBROOM (“The Rose”) sings about love in its many forms in celebration of Rubicon Company Member (and her husband) George Ball’s big birthday!

Musical Director: MICHELE BROURMAN 

LARRY TUTTLE on Bass

Tuesday, June 4 @ 7 pm

TREVOR AND SYLVIE SING JAMES AND JONI 

The Music of James Taylor and Joni Mitchell

Sponsored by Nancy and Richard Francis

Tickets: $29.50

Known for The Lonesome Traveler (at Rubicon and Off-Broadway), Liberty Valance and numerous other Rubicon shows, this dynamic husband and wife duo TREVOR WHEETMAN and SYLVIE DAVIDSON bring their soulful sounds and instrumental prowess to songs from James Taylor and Joni Mitchell.

Thursday – Sunday, June 6 – 9 

FOREVER MOTOWN

Direct from New York – The Original Cast

Perf. Schedule: Thursday, June 6 at 7pm, Friday, June 7 (2 and 7pm), Saturday, June 8 (2 and 7pm), and Sunday, June 9 at 2pm 

Tickets: $64.50 (Sides) – $74.50 (Center)

Saturday, June 15 @ 7 pm – Sunday, June 16 @ 2 pm

JOHN CARNEY IN CARNEYMAGIC 

A Show about Secrets, Mentors and the Beauty of a Perfect Illusion

Tickets: $49.50 | $20 for those 18 and under

The VENTURA LIVE! Series is produced by ANTHONY M. COLOMBO and JULIA DONLON for Rubicon, and JAY PONTI for Be the Revolution. 

To purchase tickets online, or for more information about VENTURA LIVE!, visit www.rubicontheatre.org.Tickets are also available by phone at 805.667.2900, or may be purchased in-person at Rubicon Theatre Company’s home, The Karyn Jackson Theatre, located at 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA  93001 (Laurel entrance). Guest Services is open from Noon to 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.  

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About Rubicon Theatre Company 

Rubicon Theatre has been described as “the rising star of the Southern California cultural constellation.” The not-for-profit professional regional theatre company has reached more than 540,000 attendees and more than 53,000 students. Rubicon serves area residents and visitors with innovative productions of classic and contemporary plays, as well as a wide array of educational programs and events. Acclaimed by critics and industry professionals, the company has received the L.A. Drama Critics Margaret Harford Special Award for “Sustained Excellence,” Drama Desk Awards for the Off-Broadway productions of The Best is Yet to Come and Daddy Long Legs and has won more than 20 Ovation Awards from the L.A. Stage Alliance. 

Just prior to the pandemic, Rubicon transferred three shows to New York (Wiesenthal – Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Award nominations; Lonesome Traveler – Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Award nominations; and Daddy Long Legs (Drama Desk Award). Rubicon has welcomed a steady stream of high-profile actors and directors to the stage, including BRUNO and ODISEO BICHIR, ALISON BRIE, SUSAN CLARK, DANA DELANY, CONCHATA FERRELL, BONNIE FRANKLIN, HAROLD GOULD, JOEL GREY, LARRY HAGMAN, BILL IRWIN, STACY KEACH, JACK LEMMON, AMANDA McBROOM, TED NEELEY, LAUREN PATTEN, PAUL PROVENZA, LINDA PURL, RONDI REED, JOHN RITTER, JOE SPANO, BRUCE WEITZ, LILLIAS WHITE and others. Company members are GEORGE BALL, JOSEPH FUQUA, JOE SPANO and JENNY SULLIVAN. 

Based in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District, just blocks from the Pacific Ocean, Rubicon resides in a 185-seat historic church built in the 1920s. In this renovated historic landmark, audience members are never further than 10 rows from the stage on the main floor.

True to the company’s name and the vision of artistic directors KARYL LYNN BURNS and JAMES O’NEIL, Rubicon has created an environment where commitment and risk are encouraged, and where artists are nurtured and respected. As a result, the company has gained a reputation for producing invigorating interpretations of the classics and for supporting the development of new works. Rubicon presents at least one World Premiere each season, as well as readings of works-in-progress. 

Deeply rooted in the region it serves, Rubicon offers extensive outreach programs, including daytime matinees for high school students, after-school and weekend programs for at-risk youth, and summer musical theatre, drama, and technical theatre camps. 

A board of directors of prominent social and civic leaders governs Rubicon under the leadership of President DOUG HALTER and Honorary Chair Rosa Lee Measures. The company is also supported by an advisory group of regional ambassadors and a volunteer auxiliary.

Rubicon Theatre Companys is located in The Karyn Jackson Theatre at 1006 E. Main Street in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District. 

For more information about Rubicon Theatre Company, or to purchase tickets, call (805) 667-2900 or go to www.rubicontheatre.org.