SimpleGifts offers holiday concert in Zumbrota Dec. 1

SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin combines violin, Celtic whistle, piano, acoustic guitar and percussion with angelic three-part female vocals to deliver traditional Christmas carols and hymns with a modern flair.

The group will share music of the holidays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Dec. 1 in the Zumbrota State Theatre.

The six-member ensemble led by award-winning musician Billy McLaughlin stays close to the heart of Christmas by avoiding commercial and pop holiday repertoire. Instead, members said they balance sacred Christmas songs with warm, sentimental favorites.

Children can enjoy hearing holiday classics, while adults are taken back to a quieter, simpler time with traditional songs and hymns.

“There was no ‘Frosty the Snowman,’ or ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ in the performance of SimpleGifts,” said Brian Jose, executive Director at College of St. Benedict Fine Arts Series after a recent performance. “Rather, Billy and his incredible group covered the arc of the Christmas narrative in a beautiful and profound way that touched the audience very deeply,”

Now entering in their 10th holiday concert season, SimpleGifts continues to grow in popularity throughout the Midwest. The 2012 concerts also feature special guest Celtic whistle and bagpiper Laura MacKenzie.

“SimpleGifts has that special celestial sound that captures the magic, spirit and meditation of the Christmas season. Think of a Courier and Ives holiday setting - the music you hear playing is SimpleGifts with its richly woven tapestry of vocal harmonies and perfect instrumentation,” McLaughlin said.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 day of show. To reserve tickets, stop in to Crossings at 320 East Avenue in Zumbrota or call 507-732-7616. For more information, visit www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Who: SimpleGifts and Laura MacKenzie

When: 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E. Fourth St., Zumbrota

Cost: $25 in advance, $28 at the door

More info: 507-732-7616 or www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Tags: arts and entertainment, lifestyle, arts, entertainment