Concert for Kids: Be There

Saturday. December 3rd. Two performances only. Buy your tickets now for the Concert for Kids .

I wrote about it first two years ago in "A Powerful Statement":

It is hard to put into words how awe-inspiring this event was. It was absolutely the best in student performance that Howard County has to offer: singing, instrumental playing, and dance. And it was the picture of Rouse's dream for Columbia: racially, ethnically, and economically diverse--all coming together, using their talents, to help others.

Hosted by Oakland Mills High School, under the baton of Philip Hale, this holiday extravaganza (and I don't use that word lightly) raises funds for the WBAL Radio Kids Campaign.

To enhance your experience, our Holiday Boutique will be open from 2:00pm until approximately 10:00pm.  Hand crafted home decorations, ornaments and gifts will be available throughout the afternoon.  Performances by the Oakland Mills Middle School Jazz Band, Oakland Mills High School Orchestra and Choir students will help to "make your spirit bright".  Pictures with Santa and a do-it-yourself holiday craft will be available for the children. 

If you are going to pick one holiday event that your whole family can enjoy, this is the one. I know you are already supporting your own children's concerts, ballet performances, and so on. But this is a concert where everyone can sit back and relax and catch the spirit of celebration and goodwill. And tickets are stunningly affordable: $10.00 and $8.00 for the kid-friendly matinee, $15.00 for the evening. To be clear, it's all kid-friendly, it's just that the afternoon time is better for younger children.

Plus, if you are making an effort to shop local this year, you can't do better than this local concert featuring local talent and purchasing gifts at the accompanying holiday shop. One hundred per cent of the profits support the mission of the Kids Campaign:

The WBAL Radio Kids Campaign seeks to promote, foster, encourage, support and sponsor various activities for the general educational, vocational, recreational, civic and social improvement and betterment of young, economically deprived boys and girls in the WBAL Radio listening area, without regard to race, creed, color, or national origin.

If you are already booked for this Saturday but want to help out, consider this:

This year we will also continue the "Pay-It-Forward" program for each of the concerts.  By purchasing a "Pay-It-Forward" ticket you are giving us the opportunity to help a family in need enjoy the concert.  "Pay-It-Forward" tickets are available for both the Family Matinee and Evening performances.  Please consider helping our families in need experience the joy of the holiday season by purchasing a "Pay-It-Forward" ticket.

At the risk of sounding cheesy, this concert hits all the right notes. You will come away feeling good about our community, our kids, the benefits of arts education, of participating in a worthy charitable cause, all while enjoying the holiday mood. Maybe you will see people you know. Better yet, invite people you know to come with you. 

Start a holiday tradition. 

Buy tickets here.