La Conner Institute of Performing Arts Presents: Small Town Holiday Music

It’s a showcase of local talents Sunday, Dec. 9, for the Christmas in La Conner variety show! 

This community benefit begins 2 p.m. in Maple Hall. Admission is by donation, which will help La Conner Sunrise Food Bank feed hungry people in 2013.

La Conner Institute of Performing Arts (LIOPA) sponsors this annual event.

“Our second La Conner Christmas Concert will focus on the joy of the season,” said Richard Tomkinson, LIOPA chairman. 

“We in LIOPA are privileged to produce this event for all the La Conner families – of whatever age,” Tomkinson said.

All of the members of La Conner’s First Family will perform: Ramon Hayes will play a piano medley of Christmas music to welcome visitors.

The Shelter Bay Chorus will sing holiday favorites, including one with Victoria Hayes. Then Victoria’s mother Heidi Hayes accompanies her on the piano when she sings solo.

Lynne Reinhardt directs the chorus, but the audience will have opportunity to hear her voice soar when she takes center stage for a solo.

Arthur Solomon’s rich voice will lead the audience back in time to “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” the classic tale by Dylan Thomas.

Lynette McCormack will sing solos and Jan O’Leary will play piano solos.

The La Conner High School Choir is going to serenade the crowd with four seasonal hits. Then the audience will be invited to join in a rousing round of Christmas favorites. Scott McDade will direct the singing, while Brian Fraser directs the La Conner Middle School Band as it plays the accompaniment.

While everyone attending the show will surely have a good time, the intent is fundraising. The food bank serves about 200 locals each week. In addition to people visiting the food bank on Monday afternoons, food is delivered to the home-bound and separately to impoverished families with children to feed.

“As we continue to grow and expand our services, we have certainly appreciated the outpouring of support from local businesses and community members,” said Arin Magill, food bank director.