Miller Minutes
As promised, this week’s Miller Minutes will be dedicated to a lengthy discussion on Christmas music.
The opinions surrounding holiday songs are numerous, and not limited to: “It all sounds the same,” “There’s an appropriate time to start listening to it,” and “It’s annoying; it shouldn’t be played at all.”
To all you Scrooges I say: Bah Humbug!
I happen to have a playlist of Christmas music that is 12 hours and 42 minutes long. Why? Because I make it my mission to discover new, exciting, off-the-beaten-path Christmas music to listen to from Black Friday to New Year’s Day.
Since I’m usually trying to discover something new in the music realm, why should this time of year be any different?
I do understand those people who don’t care for it. It is a hard time of year for some, and the radio seems to play the same few songs over and over. To remedy this, I have a few suggestions that just might become part of your holiday traditions.
√ For the nostalgic, folk-song lover, or someone with children, I recommend the album “A Christmas Together,” featuring John Denver and the Muppets. It includes classics, comedy and some heart-warming melodies.
√ Dream-like, original carols and old favorites come together in songs spun by the artist Sleeping at Last. His song “Snow” has many references to classic holiday movies anyone can appreciate.
√ Hosting a big holiday party? I highly suggest playing the Christmas albums of Harry Connick Jr., featuring big, jazzy brass and swoon-worthy vocals galore.
Hopefully these will make your holidays a little merry and bright. In the meantime, Happy Hanukkah, and check out these events.
Chabad Jewish Center of Cranberry is organizing a public Chanukah beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, with a larger-than-life menorah lighting at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road. The event will feature traditional Hanukkah foods, games and entertainment. The event is free, but make a reservation at jewishcranberry.com/menorah.
Zelienople’s Miracle on Main runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, and offers a plethora of family-friendly activities. From a live Nativity, music, carriage rides and a parade to opportunities to donate nonperishable food to people in need, you won’t want to miss it.
The Butler Area School District’s orchestra program will perform its annual winter concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, in the Butler Intermediate High School auditorium.
Butler Little Theatre’s “The Last Mass at St. Casimir’s” continues its performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, and at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9. For tickets and a brief synopsis of the show, visit butlerlittletheatre.com.
The Bach Society's Christmas concert, “The Wonder of Heaven,” will have two performances this weekend, both starting at 7:30 p.m. The Friday, Dec. 8, performance takes place at Center Presbyterian Church in Slippery Rock, and the concert Saturday, Dec. 9, takes place at Tower Presbyterian Church in Grove City.
A Circle of Friends Vocal and Bell Choir is hosting several Christmas concerts this month, with the first one kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at Glen Eden Event Center in Evans City, and the second performance at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at St. Peter’s Reformed Church in Zelienople.
St. Andrews United Presbyterian Church is having a cookie sale from 11 a.m. until the cookies sell out Saturday, Dec. 9, at 201 E. Jefferson St. in Butler. Boxed assortments cost $10 per dozen; and lady locks cost $15 a dozen.
Hear members of the Musical Theatre Guild sing Christmas carols at Vintage Coffeehouse on Main Street in Butler starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9.
The live Nativity drive-through experience at Nixon United Methodist Church on Airport Road in Penn Township is free and offers an opportunity to donate nonperishable food to local families in need. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9.
Chicora Alliance Church is inviting families to experience Bethlehem at the “Miracle of Jesus” event at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. The event features multisensory experiences that transport you back in time to when Jesus was born. For more information, call the church at 724-445-3220.
