School of Music to present annual Holiday Gala Dec. 6-7

The DePauw School of Music will celebrate the season with two festive performances of its Fourth Annual Holiday Gala on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. General admission is $10. As the event does sell out, patrons are encouraged to obtain tickets early (www.depauw.edu/music/tickets). (Photo courtesy of Marilyn culler of DePauw University)

Each season audiences of all ages relish the DePauw University School of Music's annual Holiday Gala, which will be presented in two performances this year at the Judson and Joyce Green Center for the Performing Arts.

On Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. audiences can attend the full-length holiday concert in Kresge Auditorium -- or they may choose a shorter, one-hour program for families and children on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.

Local partners, from across the DePauw campus and Greencastle community, have teamed up with the school for the joyous year-end celebration, which includes a wide array of holiday music from various traditions with the university choirs, jazz ensemble, band and orchestra, as well as a host of chamber groups, all participating in the festivities.

Saturday's full-length performance will be followed by a cookie and punch reception, in the Green Center's Great Hall, hosted courtesy of Bon Appetit, The Huber Fund for the Arts and the School of Music.

For Sunday's family concert, it is rumored Santa Claus may even take a break from his hectic schedule for a quick visit to Kresge.

In addition, several Greencastle restaurants will offer dinner specials before the Saturday evening performance to ensure diners arrive at the concert before the earlier-than-usual 7 p.m. curtain time.

When making reservations, persons should be certain to mention theey are attending the Holiday Gala, as a limited number of free ticket vouchers will be available at each location. For reservations and additional details regarding holiday dining specials, contact these participating restaurants:

* 2 West -- Prime rib dinner, including 14-ounce prime rib, choice of side, seasonal vegetable and salad bar for $20.

* Almost Home -- 10 percent off meal (excluding alcohol).

* Bon Appetit (DePauw Hub Dining Hall) -- All-you-care-to-eat holiday menu.

for $8 plus tax; children 6--12 get 50 percent off; children under 5 eat for free.

* Charlie's -- 10 percent off meal.

* The Fluttering Duck -- Turkey manhattan with house gravy, Italian bread, mashed potatoes and green beans for $8.95.

* Mama Nunz -- 10 percent off meal.

* Monical's Pizza -- $3 off a large, thin-crust or pan pizza.

* Myers' Market -- 5 percent off dinner purchase.

* Putnam Inn -- 10 percent off meal.

General admission to the Holiday Gala is $10. Tickets for seniors, children and all students are free, thanks to season sponsors Judson and Joyce Green.

To obtain tickets, visit www.depauw.edu/music/tickets or the Green Center box office. For more information, persons may call 658-4827.