CULTURE VULTURE

Holiday Hoopla: Hanukkah et al

By C.S. GILBERT

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

We are now happily in the midst of the annual, frenetic entertainment surrounding the winter holidays, and while Hanukkah (which began Dec. 16 till Dec. 23), Solstice (Dec. 21), and Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 till Jan. 1) (sorry, Muslim holidays all seem to have followed Ramadan in October) have received a nod or two – thanks for the Hanukkah cookies, Elsa! – it’s Christmas time, folks. As unlike an ally of mine as fundamentalist Christians might seem, I agree with those who lament the absence of Christ and family from Christmas — and the often frantic focus on buy-buy-buy, spend-spend-spend.

Still, it would be criminal to miss the holiday-themed art and entertainment. Running till the end of the year are the Arts Council’s The Road Less Taken and Lucky Street’s Ornament show; both are recommended. Don’t miss the council’s giveaway of 6-inch by six-inch canvases for their annual Mosaic Project. Give yourself the gift of your own creativity! Re pure entertainment, see Nutcracker Key West and, for additional holiday performances, see below.

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B’nai Zion at 750 United St. began kindling the Hanukkah lights on their giant menorah on the 16th and will host the annual gala celebration and traditional holiday feast at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21. It’s open to the community and folks are invited to bring their personal menorahs and seven candles. The cost is $25 for adults, $10 for children under 12 and under 3 free. Phone Alan Solomon, at 305-849-9001 for reservations, which are strongly advised; this tends to be a sellout.

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Having a nasty virus wipe out the entire first week of celebrations, the reported raves the FKCC Keys Chorale Holiday Concert received, to say nothing of the audience conservatively estimated at 500+, are simply over-the-top wonderful. What a downer to miss singing in it! Eternal thanks to expert new director Professor Jim Cutty, to the loyal and hard-working singers and to the college administrators, especially Dr. Frank Wood. Everyone was determined that the chorale would not die and Dec. 5 may be noted as the Day the Music Lived . . .

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And speaking of lively . . . .“Singing! Stories! And Striptease! All by the sexiest Santas you’ve ever seen,” promise Key West Burlesque’s Tatah DuJour and Moana Amour as they host a holiday spectacular in the Blue Heaven Bordello, upstairs at Petronia and Thomas streets. It opened last weekend and closes tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 19, with two shows, 6:30 p.m. (doors at 6) and 8:30 p.m. (doors at 8:15). “The Sexy Santa Sing-a-long features a bevy of beautiful Santas who sing, dance and take off their clothes, accompanied by a live band and super star vocalists,” they note. Special guests are Franki Markstone, Addison Panic and Jenna Beth and “special surprise Santas will fly into town” for the performances. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased at the Blue Heaven gift store or phone 305-296-8666 for reservations.

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The Fabulous Spectrelles will add doo-wop to the holidays with A Fabulous Spectrelle Christmas, presented by Southernmost Dance Theatre with the support of the Anne McKee Artists Fund and the Monroe County TDC. Appearing with the fab retro trio will be Denis Hyland and Clayton Lopez, with special guest appearances by original Spectrelles Penny Leto and Melody Cooper. It’s one night only, Monday, Dec. 22, at the San Carlos. Curtain is at 8, doors open at 7:30 p.m. For tix at $25, visit Keystix.com and for more information contact Allison Mayer at 305-879-1987.

Happy Holidays, whatever your persuasion. That’s all for now. Gotta fly!

 

 

 

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