New choral director set for conductorial debut
Cabrillo College has announced the appointment of Carlin Truong as its new director of choral and vocal studies.
An experienced conductor and educator with an international background, Truong will make his conducting debut this December, leading performances by the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus and Cabrillo Youth Chorus for the 42nd Annual Music for the Feast of Christmas at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz, Dec. 5-7.
He will also direct the Cantiamo! Cabrillo Chamber Choir in its Concert for a Winter’s Eve, scheduled for Dec. 12 at Carmel Mission Basilica and Dec. 13 at Holy Cross Church. Tickets and more information are available at cabrillovapa.universitytickets.com.
Santa Cruz MAH hosts pop-up holiday market
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History will host Frost Fest, a pop-up holiday market featuring local artisans and jewelers, on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 12-5 p.m. in the MAH’s atrium.
Visitors can browse and purchase a variety of handmade items, including jewelry, ceramics, crochet pieces, paintings, stained glass and hot sauces. The market aims to support local artists and provide unique gift options for the holiday season.
Participating vendors include Valerie Phipps, Ann Wasserman, Rae Rodriguez (Jester Swink), Elizabeth Woll, Liz and Alice, Phoebe Fine, Jen Carole, Rebecca Martin, Aldina Chiara Rubino, Kyle Colson and Claraty Arts. For more details, visit santacruzmah.org.
Holiday Helpers seeks gifts for local seniors
The Family Service Agency and I-You Venture’s Holiday Helpers program is collecting gifts to brighten the holidays for seniors in care facilities across Santa Cruz County. The initiative aims to bring joy to often overlooked seniors, making their holiday season memorable.
Donations and wrapped gifts are accepted through Dec. 10, with suggested items including lap blankets, scarves, slippers, socks, shirts, stuffed animals, lotions, calendars, puzzles and adult coloring books. Packages should be labeled by gender and size for delivery. Cash donations are also welcome via the website fsa-cc.org or mail.
Gifts can be dropped off at the Volunteer Center Donation Center in the Capitola Mall (Old Sears Building next to Chili’s) on Dec. 6-7 and 10, from 10am-6pm. For more information or to arrange drop-offs, call 831-459-8917.
Concertino Strings presents holiday concerts
The Concertino Strings of Boulder Creek, a 25-piece string orchestra, will present holiday concerts on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 11:30am and Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3pm at the 150-year-old Boulder Creek United Methodist Church, 12855 Boulder St.
The program will open with the 18th century Concerto Grosso “Pastorale for the Holy Birth” by Francesco Manfredini, including violin soloists and harpsichord. Harpist Jennifer Cass will be featured in a contemporary arrangement of the ancient Wexford Carol; she will also play a seasonal piece for solo harp. The finale will be an audience sing-along, “Christmas Carol-oke,” eight favorite carols arranged for string orchestra by Larry Clark. There will be lyrics provided.
Concertino Strings directors Joanne Tanner of Boulder Creek and Renata Bratt of Scotts Valley will lead the proceedings.
The concerts will be an hour long, casual and free with donations gratefully accepted. Visit concertinostrings.com for more information.
Deadline nears for SLVWD watershed grant
San Lorenzo Valley Water District is now inviting proposals for Watershed Education Grants to be funded under its 2025 Education Grant Program.
The Watershed Education Program supports SLVWD’s commitment to creating and maintaining outstanding community relations by providing funding for educational and other projects that engage local community members in enhancing their understanding of the San Lorenzo River watershed and/or improving the watershed’s environmental health.
The deadline to apply is Dec. 19. Visit slvwd.com for more information.
