County jazz ensemble to celebrate holiday with big-band concert

Carroll County Jazz Ensemble will present Big-band Merry Christmas at 8 p.m. tomorrow at Westminster High School.

The program will feature the music of Stan Kenton and the Glenn Miller Band and performances by Trish Kelley, the Nichols Sisters trio, the Little Swinger Singers from the Carroll County Children's Chorus, Herb Sell, Brad Collins, Glenn Patterson and the Westminster Ballet Theater.

Santa Claus will make an appearance.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door for the main floor; and $5 in advance and $10 at the door for the balcony. Tickets are available at Stu's Music, Coffey Music, Hess Music, Carroll County Arts Council and all Westminster Union Bank locations.

The school is at 1225 Washington Road. Information: 410-871- 6200.

Eldersburg fund-raiser to feature auction, Santa

The Maryland Raise the Flag Fund, started after Sept. 11, 2001, and based in Eldersburg, will hold its second charity fund-raiser and family event from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow.

A silent auction will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to benefit the American Cancer Society and Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation for Children. Featured items will include crafts, sports merchandise and memorabilia, and autographed pictures and sports items.

Santa Claus and the Oriole Bird will arrive by fire truck at 3 p.m. and be available for photos until 6 p.m. (the Bird until 4:15 p.m. only). A $5 donation for photos is requested.

A light display will go on at dusk, with more than 30,000 lights and numerous figures.

The fund is operated by Marie Daugherty and Deanna Monda, co-chairwomen, at 2035 Sherlock Holmes St. in Eldersburg off Pine Knob Road, where the event will be held.

Information and directions: 410-795-4196.

Holiday teas scheduled at county farm museum

Carroll County Farm Museum will hold holiday teas during its annual Holiday Tour.

Teas will be held in the Victorian Tea Parlor, by reservation only, Tuesday through Thursday and Dec. 17-20, with seatings at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. The cost is $8 and includes several varieties of tea, assorted pastries and a guided tour of the decorated farmhouse.

Groups of eight or more may reserve tea time for a private gathering. Groups of less than eight may be seated with other guests.

The farm museum's Holiday Tour will be held today, tomorrow and Sunday and Dec. 13-15.

Information 410-848-7775 or 410-876-2667.

Folk music performances weekdays in Sykesville

Uptown Concerts is sponsoring weekday performances by folk musicians at Baldwin's Station in Sykesville.

"Fiddling storyteller" Mike Cross will perform Wednesday. Tickets are $20.

Connemara will present "A Celtic Christmas" Dec. 17 and 18. The group features vocalist Grace Griffith, hammered dulcimer player Jody Marshall, pianist Paul Nahay, fiddler Dave Abe, and guest singer Carey Creed. Tickets are $18.

Shows are at 8 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Advance tickets are required.

Baldwin's is at 7618 Main St. Information: 410-795-1041.

Hand bell concert is Dec. 14 at McDaniel

The Westminster Ringers will welcome the holidays with "A Hand Bell Holiday" concert of traditional carols and original hand bell music at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 in Big Baker Chapel at McDaniel College.

The 16-member hand bell ensemble will perform techniques in five octaves of English-style hand bells and five octaves of choir chimes.

Tickets are $7; $5 for age 60 and older and ages 5 to 12; and free for younger than age 5.

Information: 410-848-5482.

Hanover arts center to stage 'Christmas Carol'

Eichelberger Performing Arts Center in Hanover, Pa., will present Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol from Thursday to Dec. 22 for all ages.

The musical features dancing and special effects. The new adaptation is by Barry Kornhauser, with music and lyrics by Ron Barnett.

Performances are set for 8 p.m. Dec. 12-14 and 20-21, 6 p.m. Dec. 15 and 3 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets are $18 and $13. Information: 717-637-7086.