The Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert is a treasured holiday tradition in Kent.
The 27th annual show is at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 S.E. 256th St. The show is part of the Kent Arts Commission’s 2013-2014 Spotlight Series of performances.
With Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, whistles, concertina, strings and more, Philip and Pam Boulding, their five grown children, and grandchildren are joined by the lightning feet of the Tara Academy Dancers.
Brenin Boulding’s soulful cello is a highlight of the show and actress/singer Colleen Raney adds soulful Irish songs, according to a city of Kent media release. Percussion and storytelling round out the performance, and the hall resounds in holiday harmony as the audience joins in on familiar carols.
Philip and Pam Boulding founded Magical Strings in 1978, the same year that they began the tradition of Celtic Yuletide Concerts with their family. They have performed throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland and Japan, toured and recorded with Dan Fogelberg, appeared on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” and recorded 18 albums on four labels.
Often referred to by local media as the “Von Trapps of the Northwest,” their love of music is embraced by all five of their grown children. Philip and Pam also design and build Celtic harps and run the School of Magical Strings.
Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for youth. Tickets are available at kentarts.com, by calling (53-856-5051 or in person at the Kent Commons (525 Fourth Ave. N.). Hours for phone and in-person sales are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Box office is closed on Sunday.
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