Arts Events: Christmas book discussion; two varieties of ‘Nutcracker;’ choral music and jazz Dec. 10 through Dec. 13

For more upcoming events, click here for The Chester Telegraph calendar. To be included in our Upcoming events briefs, email Susan Lampe-Wilson at calendar@www.chestertelegraph.org. Photos welcome. No PDFs, please. Notices must be received by noon on Fridays to be eligible for publication the following week.

Dec. 10: Discussion of Keillor’s A Christmas Blizzard

On Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m., members of the Rockingham Library’s Book Club will share holiday memories of favorite relatives, songs, food and traditions, along with those that Garrison Keillor brings to life in his short novel, A Christmas Blizzard in the library at 65 Westminster St. in Bellows Falls.

Share memories or simply enjoy listening to others’ stories. Seasonal refreshments will be served. This event is free for the public. The book is available at the library’s front desk. New book club members are welcome. For more information, call 802-463-4270, email programming@rockinghamlibrary.org, go to rockinghamlibrary.org or stop by the library.

Dec. 11–13: Clara’s Cracked Christmas at COH

Claremont Opera House hosts Stardancer Studios’ modern version of the Nutcracker in its upcoming production of Clara’s Cracked Christmas on Friday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec 12 at 1 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 13 at 1 p.m.

More than 60 local dancers ranging from ages 3 to adult are in this production. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for children age 10 and under. They are available by calling 603-542-4433, stopping in at the office at 58 Opera House Square in the City Hall Complex or visiting www.claremontoperahouse.org.

Dec. 11 & 13: West River Valley Chorus presents holiday program

The West River Valley Chorus, under the direction of Ken Olsson, will presents their annual Christmas concerts.

The chorus will sing a variety of seasonal music, which will be entertaining for all ages. The free concerts are from 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11 in the Wardsboro Town Hall, 71 Main St. in Wardsboro and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at the Townshend Church on the Common. Both concert venues are handicap accessible. The concerts are free but the group welcomes donations. Each concert will be followed by a reception with chorus members.

Questions about the chorus’ rehearsals or the concerts can be directed to Pokey Lyman at 802-365-7964 or Marge Johnson at 802-874-4366.

Dec. 12: Jazz guitarists at Main Street Arts

World-class guitarist John Stowell teams up with Grafton musician Draa Hobbs on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. at Main Street Arts, 35 Main St. in Saxtons River.

The duo will present an evening of spontaneous improvisations based on familiar standards from the classic American songbook, as well as pieces by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and others.

Advance tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. To reserve your seats call Main Street Arts at 802-869-2960.

Dec. 12 & 13: Dance Factory presents 24th annual Nutcracker

The Dance Factory presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Both performances are at Springfield High School, 303 South St. in Springfield, and will benefit the Springfield High School Drama Club. Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for students.

The classical ballet features young dancers from all over southern Vermont and New Hampshire. The Nutcracker tells the story of young Clara Staulbaum and the magical Nutcracker she is given from her Uncle Drosselmeyer.

This is the 24th year that The Dance Factory has presented The Nutcracker. It was originally choreographed by Susan Hagan. This year’s production will be directed by Ashley Hensel-Browning and will feature new choreography as well as old choreography from productions past.

–Compiled by Susan Lampe-Wilson