Choral Belles to share Christmas tunes in Port Townsend

PORT TOWNSEND — As is their Christmas tradition, the Choral Belles will give a Candlelight Concert on Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Taylor St.

The 7 p.m. performance will highlight both sacred and secular Christmas music, and because many of the songs are beloved and well-known carols, the Belles will invite listeners to do some singing, too.

The Choral Belles have entertained audiences across the North Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas for 16 years.

Most of the women started singing as girls in church choirs and school choruses; some have had formal training, and a few have trained with Belles director Mary Lou Montgomery.

Thursday’s Christmas program has among its highlights “Let It Snow!,” “Mary Did You Know?,” Pachelbel’s Canon and “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt.”

The Belles include Chris Taylor, Judi Smith, Debra Knauss, Sandra Flaherty, Bonnie Van Allsburg, Mea Graham, Roan Anderson, Sandy Curtiss, Geri Robinson, Lori McKinley, Shirley Calkins, Paula Davis, Barbara Crow, Jean Johaningsmeir, Norma Brewer, Marian Pace, Bets Cragoe, Susan Olson, Marianne Walters, Sheila Burrell, Jolene Visser, Joan Dragnich, Sharon England, Nan Smith and Meg Anderson.

To complete the evening, flutist Curtiss and pianist Visser will offer a musical interlude.

Doors of Trinity United Methodist will open at

6:30 p.m. for the Candlelight Concert, with admission at $10 for adults and teens. Children are invited to come free. Refreshments will be served afterward.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Toys for Tots effort for children in Jefferson County. For more details, phone 360-774-1644.

Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.

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