BATH — For the fifth consecutive year, the Chocolate Church Arts Center will present a series of Christmas-themed concerts and shows in December. The weekend of Dec. 8 and 9 best reflects the diversity of that entertainment schedule.

The Sweetback Sisters return to the main stage on Friday, Dec. 8, with their Country Christmas Sing-Along Spectacular. On Saturday, Dec. 9, the musical pendulum swings to feature Turning of the Year Celtic Christmas. Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Sweetback Sisters Country Christmas Sing-Along Spectacular is a wide-ranging program of holiday music, from well-loved Christmas carols to classic winter-themed songs to lesser-know country gems. All the songs are presented with the Sweetback Sisters’ signature mix of harmony singing, rollicking telecaster and twin fiddling along with a healthy dose of holiday cheer. 

Sweetback Sisters Emily Miller and Zara Bode may not be blood relations, but their precise, family-style harmonies recall the best of country music from the Everlys to the Judds, as well as the spirited rockabilly energy of Wanda Jackson, one of the band’s role models.

Tickets are $18 advance and $22 at the door. 

On Saturday, Dec. 9, John Whelan, who is seven-time All-Ireland accordion champion and Narada recording artist, teams up with roots band Low Lily and Scottish-style fiddler Katie McNally for this Turning of the New Year holiday mini-fest.

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Featuring traditional and original music from Ireland, Scotland and America, this diverse and energetic show will help usher in the holiday season with a bang. Alongside uptempo jigs and reels will be lesser-known Christmas carols and wintry classics, featuring two fiddles, accordion, guitars, mandolin, and lush, layered vocals. This exclusive show brings the generations together for a fresh new take on roots music from both sides of the pond.

Tickets are $18 advance and $22 at the door. 

Tickets for either or both shows are available by calling the Chocolate Church box office at 207-442-8455 or online www.chocolatechurcharts.org. The Chocolate Church Arts Center is located at 804 Washington St., downtown Bath.

Heather — there is another photo available for this story — it’s of John Whelan and Kate McNally. — NF

The Sweetback Sisters


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