Celebrating Winter Solstice with Music and Art on the Central Coast

Happy Winter Solstice! This year the shortest day has inspired a variety of entertainment events, all slated for Friday, bringing a festive spirit to the Central Coast.

Annual Holiday-loff Solstice Concert

Central Coast's favorite musician, Dave Holodiloff, is known for his high-quality holiday concerts. The 11th Annual "Enchanted Winter" Holiday-loff Solstice Concert is set for Friday at 7 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Awakening, 522 Central Ave., in Pacific Grove. Attendees can arrive early at 6 p.m. for a pre-concert reception featuring wine, cheese, and refreshments. Holodiloff, renowned for his mandolin mastery, has put together a program including Christmas classics and a mix of original and diverse genre pieces for the event. Together with a talented trio of musicians, they promise to deliver a performance that will get your feet tapping.

There's more for attendees to enjoy beyond the music. The event includes a complimentary raffle where you could win merchandise or CDs, plus a year-end sale perfect for holiday gifting.

Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration

Another Friday highlight, the 17th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration, will entertain audiences with a Saturday matinee as well. The musical line-up includes the gifted Tyler Weed on mandolin and banjo, along with seasoned artists like John Weed, Stuart Mason, and others bringing a Celtic flair to the holiday season. However, tickets have sold out in advance for these high-demand performances at St. Mary's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Pacific Grove.

Monterey Museum of Art's Iluminado Series

As part of the Iluminado series, the Monterey Museum of Art is hosting a Winter Solstice Celebration at its downtown Monterey gallery. This free-entry event offers food, drinks, a live DJ set, and a Miniatures raffle connected to a charitable cause.

George Clinton's Holiday Funk Extravaganza

Legendary funk musician George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic will bring an Atomic Funk Cosmic Holiday Jam to the Golden State Theatre on Friday night, offering a unique take on holiday cheer.

Local Theatrical and Music News

Exciting future events include new season announcements from the New Canon Theatre Co., and fundraisers for local musicians facing health challenges. These compassionate community efforts highlight the supportive spirit of the Central Coast's arts scene.

music, holiday, solstice, concert, art