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[/media-credit]HOLIDAY EVENTS AT THE MERCHANT’S HOUSE MUSEUM For 75 years, the Merchant’s House Museum has preserved domestic life as lived from 1835-1865. This holiday season, they’re making room for some compelling curiosities from a very different era. “From Candlelight to Bubble Light: A 1950s Christmas in an 1850s House” is a visionary mash-up of times and traditions. Through January 9, the halls will be retro-decked with conceptual stylist (and East Village icon) Deb O’Nair’s collection of 1950s/60s holiday decorations and Americana. Mae West Christmas albums and molded-plastic lit-from-within Frostys might seem like a jarring contrast to the original furnishings and personal possessions of the Tredwell family — but taken as a whole, the place just plain feels like home.
On Sat., Dec. 17 (at 7:30pm), “Tinsel tunes with the Tineseltones” comes with a Spoiler Alert: The four charismatic harmonizers who comprise the Tinseltones bear a striking resemblance to the Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society (the MHM’s arts group in residence). No strangers to high concepts (their last gig showcased songs of death and enchantment), the Tinseltones will bring their flair for fun, theatrics and vocal pyrotechnics to this imaginative interpretation of familiar holidays songs from the 1950s.
On New Year’s Day, from 3-6pm, “Open House” brings back the centuries-old tradition of paying New Year’s Day calls (complete with a cup of holiday punch and snacks). Admission is $30.
At Merchant’s House Museum (29 E. Fourth St., btw. Lafayette & Bowery). Regular hours: 12-5pm (closed Tues. & Wed.). Admission: $10 ($5 for students/seniors). For info, call 212-777-1089 or visit merchantshouse.org.
THE WEST VILLAGE CHORALE: OPEN “MESSIAH” SING / CAROLING WALK
At their annual Open Audience Sing of Handel’s “Messiah,” The West Village Chorale provides scores, piano accompaniment and refreshments at intermission. All you have to do in return is sing along (with able assistance from music director Michael Conley, who’ll be on hand to conduct). If you like a little stroll with your song, the 37th annual “Greenwich Village Caroling Walk” features a trip through the picturesque Dickens-like neighborhood — as the Chorale leads you in the singing of seasonal carols.
The “Messiah” event takes place on Sun., Dec. 11, at 3pm. At Judson Memorial Church (55 Washington Square South, at Thompson St.). Admission: $15 general, $10 for seniors (62+) and students. The “Caroling Walk” (a free event) takes place on Fri., Dec. 16, at 7pm (beginning and ending at Judson Memorial Church). For info, call 212-517-1776 or visit westvillagechorale.org.
AVI WISNIA IN CONCERT, CELEBRATING THE RELEASE OF “MAOZ TSUR”
As he proved on his debut album (“Something New”), singer/songwriter/rabbi’s son Avi Wisnia knows his way around Brazilian bossa nova, acoustic American folk, 1950’s west-coast jazz and contemporary pop. His latest release (available now online) is the holiday single “Maoz Tsur.” This jazz instrumental is based on a liturgical poem that’s become a popular Hanukkah song often heard after the lighting of the menorah. Translated as “Rock of Ages,” its words celebrate the human spirit’s ability to claim victory over oppressors and overcome persecution. You don’t have to be one of the chosen people to appreciate that — but it doesn’t hurt! With that in mind, Wisnia cordially invites all colors and creeds to come and experience the joy of the holidays at a free event, which will feature the live performance debut of “Maoz Tsur.”
Fri., Dec. 9, from 8-9:30pm (doors open at 7:30pm). Free and open to all ages — but seating is limited, so arrive early. At Live at Caffe Vivaldi (32 Jones St.; off Bleecker St., by 7th Ave.). For info, caffevivaldi.com or 212-691-7538. For more info: aviwisnia.com; twitter.com/aviwisnia; youtube.com/teamwisnia; facebook.com/aviwisniamusic; myspace.com/aviwisniapresents.
ARCHIVE OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC HOLIDAY RECORD + CD SALE
Christmas comes but once a year — and to help build that pile of presents under the tree, there’s another annual December event we’ve come to depend upon. Secure a slot on Santa’s “nice” list when you help support the ARChive of Contemporary Music — a nonprofit music library whose stockpile of over 2 million sound recordings makes it America’s largest popular music collection. ARChive keeps two copies of all recordings released in America. When a third copy comes in, it becomes part of this annual sale. Over 20,000 items are up for grabs — including books, CDs, LPs, singles, VHS, DVDs, sheet music and a flea market full of vintage kitchenwares, psychedelic rock posters and clothing. All the CDs (mostly pop and rock recordings, priced from $1-$10) are mint condition donations form record companies and collectors.
Sat., Dec. 10 through Sun., Dec. 18. Open daily, 11am-6pm. At the ARChive of Contemporary Music’s (54 White St., 3 blocks south of Canal, btw. Broadway & Church Sts.). Call 212-226-6967 or visit archmusic.org. Blog: arcmusic.wordpress.com. On Facebook: facebook.com/ArchiveOfContemporaryMusic.
VILLAGE LIGHT OPERA: SCROOGE & GILBERT & SULLIVAN
The Village Light Opera Group’s presentation of Nathan Hull’s “Scrooge & Gilbert & Sullivan” has high concept charisma to burn. This modern mashup of two timeless classics takes its inspiration from the mutual admiration society formed by Dickens. The “Christmas Carol” author was a fan of Sullivan’s music; and Gilbert adapted Dickens’ “Great Expectations.” Now the creations of this trio are merged into one night of entertainment — in a shows that injects 11 Gilbert & Sullivan operettas into that familiar tale of Scrooge’s redemption.
At The Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University (3 Spruce St.). Fri., Dec. 9 at 8pm; Sat., Dec. 10 at 2pm & 8pm; Sun., Dec. 11 at 2pm. The Dec. 10 2pm performance is a Children’s Matinee (special activities before and after, and kids pay half price). The Dec. 10 8pm performance will include sign language interpretation. For tickets ($25 and $45), call 866-811-4111 or visit vlog.org. Group discounts available for orders of 10 or more.
TRINITY WALL STREET’S CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Holiday caroling, a youth chorus performance, a Dickens adaptation and one of the city’s most popular Christmas Eve services: Trinity Wall Street has a little of everything — for everyone. On Thurs., Dec. 15 (at 5pm), The Trinity Youth Chorus performs their annual concert of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. After the concert, join the Youth Chorus as they lead the audience in holiday caroling (Melissa Attebury conducts). At St. Paul’s Chapel (Broadway at Fulton St.).
On Sun., Dec. 18 (at 1pm), “Scrooge & Marley: A Reading” invites you to become part of the story, as Theater at Trinity presents its annual reading of Israel Horovitz’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” (audience participation encouraged). At St. Paul’s Chapel (Broadway at Fulton St.).
On Sat., Dec. 24 (at 4pm), the annual Christmas Eve Service for Children, Youth and Families features a sermon presented in a storytelling format. Children are “highly encouraged to participate,” and the Eucharist is celebrated. The Trinity Youth Chorus performs. At Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall St.).
For info on these free events, call 212-602-0800 or visit trinitywallstreet.org.
HOLIDAYS AT THE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER WINTER GARDEN
