Come laugh, sing, light a taper at a joyous winter celebration defined by the spectacular harmonies and gorgeous instrumentals for which this quartet is known.

Afro-Cuban Drummer ADE KNOWLES with his percussion ENSEMBLE CONGEROS, the festive POKINGBROOK MORRIS DANCERS and more join in a diverse celebration of Winter Solstice, the natural event that inspired Yule, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Chanukah, St Lucia's Day, LaPosadas and other seasonal celebrations around the world.

The two duos of KIM & REGGIE HARRIS and MAGPIE (Terry Leonino & Greg Artzner) are nothing short of a harmonic convergence: they create a uniquely transcendent sound from the blending all four voices with guitars, harmonica and dulcimer. Alternately powerful, whimsical, funny and swinging, they lead a celebration of light that began in ancient Celtic times with Solstice, the longest, blackest night of the year that finally breaks into sunrise. Winter Solstice celebrations anticipates the gradual lengthening of days leading us back to the warmth, fertility, growth and possibilities of spring and summer.

Fully costumed in traditional Morris garb, Albany's POKINGBROOK MORRIS DANCERS lead off the show with two ancient rhythmic English village dances that marked early English celebrations. The stately and mystical Abbotts Bromley Horn Dance uses deer antlers; the English border village of Abbotts Bromley dates this ritual back almost to the Norman conquest of Britain.

Oh the winds down in December blow chilly and cold
But the first days of the season with warmth do unfold
And though the winter days before us number four score and ten
May this joy stay to sustain us 'til it's springtime again

Now the days grow a little longer, a little shorter each night
touch the flame to another candle in this season of light
with lights in every window on our houses and trees
we'll push away the darkness for a new year of peace!"
                                    -words & music by Greg Artzner

Solstice: the darkest, longest night of the year will give way to a new season, and begin its new year-long voyage around the Earth. The gradual lengthening of days anticipates the return and fertile possibilities of spring: birth and rebirth, when all things are possible, the dawning of hope and renewal for humankind.

 
$26
 
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