WASHINGTON SQUARE TREE LIGHTING AND CAROLING
It’s been standing tall and looking good since arriving at 4am on Monday — but you’ll have to wait until 6pm on December 11 to see the Washington Square Park Christmas Tree in all its spruced up glory. That’s when the lights on this 45-foot-tall Vermonter will first begin to sparkle and shine. To mark that occasion, the Rob Susman Brass Quartet will accompany the crowd in the singing of holiday songs (with lyric sheets provided by The Washington Square Association). When the time comes to throw the switch, Santa Claus will lead the children in an illumination countdown. Then, on Christmas Eve (at 5pm), those complimentary songbooks make another appearance, along with the Brass Quartet — as revelers fill the park with musical sentiments of peace on earth and goodwill to all.
Both events happen at the Washington Square Park Arch (at the foot of Fifth Ave., one block south of Eighth St.). The Washington Square Park Christmas Tree is lit from 4pm-1am daily, through the season. For info, call 212-252-3621 or visit washingtonsquarenyc.org.
WEST VILLAGE CHORALE’S ANNUAL OPEN SING OF HANDEL’S “MESSIAH”
If you’re the type who’s been humming seasonal tunes since taking down the Halloween decorations, this annual event from the West Village Chorale confirms that you’re by no means alone. On Sunday afternoon, dozens of kindred spirits will raise their voices to sing as one — filling the atmospheric sanctuary of Judson Memorial Church with a joyful rendition of Handel’s “Messiah.” You bring the vocal cords and the desire to make new friends. Scores, piano accompaniment and intermission refreshments will be provided.
Sun., Dec. 8, at 3pm. At Judson Memorial Church (55 Washington Square South, at Thompson St.). General admission: $15 ($10 for students/seniors). For info, call 212-517-1776 or visit westvillagechorale.org.
ARC’s HOLIDAY RECORD & CD SALE
If Noah had a surplus sale — and if his ark gathered the popular music of all cultures and races instead of all creatures great and small — the scene might resemble what goes down at Tribeca’s ARChive of Contemporary Music every December. More than 250,000 recordings are donated to the not-for-profit music library and research center annually. They keep two of each, and then sell off all remaining copies. The desperate need of these purpose-driven hoarders to create more shelf space means your own collection can grow to include any number of over 25,000 LPs, 45s, CDs, cassettes, books, posters, magazines, VHS tapes and DVDs that are up for grabs. Standouts from this year’s sale include a collection of punk/new wave 45s and a special Lou Reed section. Not a music lover? Then peruse the vintage flea market and yard sale. Join ARC as a member, and you’ll score an invite to their December 5 pre-sale party (with food, drink, early shopping and spirited discussion with fellow enthusiasts).
Sat., Dec. 7 through Sun., Dec. 15, 11am-6pm daily. At the ARChive of Contemporary Music (54 White St., btw. Broadway & Church St.). Visit arcmusic.org, call 212-226-6967 or send email to info@arcmusic.org.
FEMALE MAKERS HOLIDAY MARKET: BRINGING WOMEN IN TECH TOGETHER
People of all genders and levels of technical ability are welcome to attend New York City’s first–ever holiday market designed to spotlight female creators and innovators. This fun combination of shopping, product testing, expert advice and shared stories serves as a platform to connect woman entrepreneurs with professionals. In the “Expert’s Room,” tech business leaders (including Flexcel Networks CEO Sophie Wade) will answer questions about funding, creating and selling products. An array of tech and non-tech goods made by NY companies founded and run by women will be available for purchase — including chic, sustainable artisan jewelry from Brooklyn’s Judi Powers, global handcrafts by Parcel & Journey industrial designs byDiana Sierra. Gift-wrapping will be provided, upon making a donation to the Lower Eastside Girls Club — whose members will need no hard sell to move their supply of Gingerbread Brownstone cookies.
Mon., Dec. 9, from 7-9pm. Presented by Tekserve, NY Tech Meetup and Plum Alley. At Tekserve (119 W. 23rd St., btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves.). Tickets are free, but event registration is required (do so at eventbrite.com). For info on the event sponsors, visit meetup.com, nytm.org, plumalley.co. and tekserve.com.
CANDLELIGHT CAROL SERVICE
The nondenominational Chelsea Community Church’s 39th Annual Candlelight Carol Service provides ample opportunity for spiritual reflection, plus music and a literary from St. Nick. Under the direction of Larry J. Long, the choir will perform music from early German Baroque to early American shape-note to gospel (including “And the Glory of the Lord” from Messiah by George Frederic Handel, the familiar Basque carol “The Angel Gabriel” and David von Kampen’s jazzy take on the traditional Austrian carol “Still, still, still.” Organist Christopher Houlihan, (“dazzling,” according to the Wall Street Journal) will accompany. Actress Jeanne Ruskin will read Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” — in the church that stands on the very land that was part of Moore’s estate.
Sun., Dec. 15, at 6pm. At St. Peter’s Church (346 W. 20th St., btw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.). Free (offerings accepted). For info, call 212-886-5463 or visit chelseachurch.org.
YOUTH PRIDE CHORUS
With all due respect to Lady Gaga and the Muppets, this may be the tune-filled holiday spectacular we’ve been waiting for. Yes, Gaga had Elton John and Joseph Gordon-Levitt on her Thanksgiving special — but the out and proud singers of Youth Pride Chorus have the visionary post-religious gospel stylings of Our Lady J and the fierce physicality of youth dance troupe New Agenda. Comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight youth ages 13-22, YPC will tear up the stage with their own formidable set list of pop hits (plus a few electrifyingly queer takes on classic holiday tunes).
Sat., Dec. 7, at 6 & 8pm. At The Kitchen (512 W. 19th St., btw. 10th & 11th Aves.). For tickets ($20-$45), visit youthpridechorus.org.
— BY SCOTT STIfFLER
