UPDATE ISSUED ON FRIDAY, DEC. 15:
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ve made adjustments to our schedule. While the originally scheduled evening performance will not take place, the matinee performance is moving forward and is 90 per cent sold out,” said Carrie Kempster and Michael Favelle, the marketing team for the ensemble’s senior A group.
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Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, two ukulele concerts in mid-December are designed to celebrate Christmas and give attendees a musical break from their day-to-day mayhem.
In keeping with a long-standing tradition, only interrupted briefly by COVID, the Langley Ukulele Association is gearing up for its annual Themes of Christmas production.
On Saturday, Dec. 16, the uke ensemble will take over the stage at the Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort Langley to perform a matinee and evening show, explained Paul Luongo, director of the senior A ensemble.
“We’ll take you on a musical journey through beloved traditional songs, setting the perfect tone for the holiday season,” he said.
“The Langley Ukulele Ensemble will enchant you with carols, seamlessly intertwined with heartwarming video presentations narrating the Christmas story.”
The shows will also feature a special, entertaining appearance by Luongo’s father, Peter – who used to lead the ensembles, but has since stepped back from the helm but does still help by directing the younger uke students.
“Our senior A group of the association represents the pinnacle of a child’s journey to excellence,” said the junior Luongo.
Their “exceptional performances” have garnered attention, leading to television appearances, performances at local events such as the yearly Christmas Wish Breakfast, and invitations to showcase their talent in various destinations including Hawaii, Japan, and New York.
The uke association, a not-for-profit organization that has been operating in Langley for more than 40 years, is presenting this Christmas production at the Chief Sepass Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 16, with a show at 3 p.m., and another at 7.
Tickets are $12 to $20, and available online through eventbrite.ca or at langleyukes.com.
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