Local Eyes present: Christmas Concert for the Coast Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Gualala Arts Center

Gualala Arts Local Eyes will present "Christmas Concert for the Coast" featuring the Ernest Bloch Bell Ringers on Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. This year the bell ringers will be joined by Karl Young playing shakuhachi. Along with various performances, there will be a Holiday sing-along as part of the program.

History of the Ernest Bloch Bell Ringers

Our Gualala coast had been without bells for a time when Sita Milchev's mother, Lucienne Dimitroff, suggested to Sita that the family purchase a set of English Hand Bells using funds from the estate of Sita's grandfather, the composer, Ernest Bloch. Lois Pine, Walt Ratcliff and Claire Skilton were early enthusiasts, along with Sita, and kept the bells ringing for many years, to the delight of coast residents.

It its current incarnation, the Ernest Bloch Bell Ringers began playing in 1998, starting out with just four ringers. The group quickly grew and the bells were heard in the Pt. Arena 4th of July '98 parade where the group won the Grand Prize.

Since then the bell ringers have performed at Art in the Redwoods, at St. Paul's Methodist Church and at various concerts and functions. In past years the ringers have performed a Christmas concert benefiting various community groups. Meeting every Monday at the home of Richard and Jeanne Jackson, this group delights in playing a wide range of music.

Our local bell ringers ring four and 1/2 octaves of beautiful English handbells and their concert is not to be missed. If you are interested in joining, contact Jeanne Jackson at 884-1761.

Karl Young and the shakuhachi

Karl Young, a physicist by day, has been playing the shakuhachi, the Japanese bamboo flute, for many years, having studied with a number of master players including Yoshio Kurahashi, Kaoru Kakizakai, and Riley Lee. His main interest is in the traditional Buddhist pieces, known as honkyoku, but he also plays at various art venues.

Tickets are $10.00 in advance, $5.00 more on the day of the performance. Children 12 and under are free.

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.

Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.