KARI TAURING AND FRIENDS PRESENT SECOND ANNUAL YULETIDE CELEBRATION
Discovering Origins, Building Traditions MINNEAPOLIS, December 22 and 23, 2000

With the success of last year's standing room only crowd at Gus Lucky's Art Gallery, Minneapolis Longfellow singer/songwriter Kari Tauring is moving her company of talented artists to Patrick's Cabaret for their Second Annual Yuletide Celebration, a music, dance and multimedia extravaganza.

"It's a great way to celebrate this time of year!" exclaims choreographer and Longfellow resident Tamara Halbritter, "There’s caroling, original live music, dance, fun costumes, and a warm cozy atmosphere welcoming both children and adults. It gives everyone a chance to connect and reflect on what’s really important in the midst of holiday stresses."

A cast of 20 dancers, musicians and vocalists bring to life magical winter solstice tales passed down by Kari Tauring, the mystical "host." The show begins with the audience and performers singing carols around a piano. Then, in a flash of light, Tauring appears and leads them to a land of gods and goddesses with her lush voice.

A teacher-mother-musician-community activist, Tauring adds with childlike enthusiasm, "By exploring and re-telling the ancient myths of the winter solstice through music and dance, we have created a meaningful ritual for modern times. We are 'Discovering Origins and Building Traditions' again this year."

The whole project began at a dinner party on the winter solstice of ’98. As Tauring explains, "It was a gathering of friends. I started singing some songs I had written over the years about the winter solstice. And by the end of the night, everyone encouraged me to put together a CD. Darren Johnson, who is now the show's producer, saw my vision, felt my enthusiasm, and told me I had to do a concert on the solstice, not just a CD. I swear angels sent him. Then they sent everyone else!"

"When Tamara got involved, the show really became something fantastic. She took my bare bones script, put together an ensemble of dancers that brought the songs to life, and helped create this vibrant celebration of the season."

"It's about community," describes Johnson, a video producer and also Longfellow resident who is designing several video backdrops for the show. "People needed something meaningful to connect with and communicate, and they came out of the woodwork to volunteer their services. This year we have even more talented people involved, new ancient tales, a few surprises and peoples favorite pieces from last year."

Kari jumps in, "I feel completely blessed with the skill, even genius involved in this production. I think the old myths give back to the storytellers in a way that is both simple and profound. We are bonding on a cosmic level, bolstering our community ties and our commitments to the seasons ahead. As we honor the Earth, her cycles and seasons, we honor all living creatures in our great web, the ultimate community."

This year's Second Annual Yuletide Celebration, Discovering Origins and Building Traditions will take place at Patrick's Cabaret, 3010 Minnehaha Avenue (at Lake Street), on Friday and Saturday, December 22nd and 23rd. Caroling begins at 7:30 p.m. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. Children are encouraged to attend. A $10 donation is suggested at the door. Kari Tauring's Yuletide Celebration CD is available at select record and gift stores and at the performance.

For more information contact: kari@karitauring.com

"A Yuletide Celebration" 1999 script, etc is available here.