Carol Montag brings her holiday show A Carol Christmas back to CSPS Hall on December 12. Joining her once again will be Dylan Rairdin and Riley Thurm from Trees Reach, along with long-time collaborators Bruce Millard and Jim White.

Beyond the holiday spirit, Carol is working on a new album, Strange Ballet, set for release in spring 2024, which will feature a bunch of new music, anchored by the award-winning title track. Follow Carol at www.carolmontag.com or on Facebook.

Tickets at www.cspshall.org.

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The Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra presents its fall concert Dec. 8 at Kirkwood. Director Josh Reznicow says the orchestra will give a reprise of some of the songs performed at their Salute to Veterans show with the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale, as well some holiday favorites.

The Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra is open to musicians of all ages and experience. Visit www.crorchestra.org to learn more. Tickets for the concert at www.kirkwood.edu/ballantyne.

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Orchestra Iowa and Ballet Quad Cities present their annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 7 at the Paramount Theatre. Tim is extra grateful for the community support of the Orchestra’s recent purchase of a new celesta, because the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fair just wouldn’t be the same without it! And in fact, that piece is the first to feature that unique instrument.

Tickets and more information at www.orchestraiowa.org.

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Something on the order of 100 low brass players will descend on the Cedar Rapids Public Library Dec. 14 for “Tuba Christmas,” which is exactly what the title says: many, many tubas playing Christmas music. This year’s guest director is Toni Lefebvre, who teaches at College Community and directs the Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra.

Organizers Jim Engelbach and Kyle Patrick say any player is welcome, from kids just learning their instrument to adults who maybe haven’t played for years. Any low brass instrument, including tubas, sousaphones, baritones, euphoniums, etc. is welcome. But leave your trombone at home. As Kyle and Jim put it, “No slidey things.”

Dec. 14, 3pm at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Performers should arrive at 11:30 to register, pay a small registration fee and rehearse. Jim and Kyle will be at West Music in Cedar Rapids on Dec. 7 with music books if you’d like to get some practice in advance.

Concert admission is free.

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