Christmas in January? Well, when the weather outside is frightful, the Lake Pend Oreille School District wisely calls a snow day and, voila, now we have a choir Christmas concert in January! Join the four vocal ensembles at SHS for a lovely holiday concert under the direction of Jon Brownell. Not only will you enjoy the wonderful voices and exuberance of these fine singers, you will also be treated to a delicious dessert and some spirited bidding in the choirs’ annual fundraiser.

The Sandpoint High School choirs will celebrate the holidays with traditional and modern Christmas songs this Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. at Sandpoint High School. They will share favorites such as “The Holly and the Ivy,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Jeanette Isabella,” and “Hanukkah Nagilah”, to mention a few.

To top off the evening, dessert and coffee will be served, a fabulous combination with the music. As you sit back, enjoying these lovely young voices raised in song, you can also participate in the choir’s annual holiday basket silent auction. Come bid on a “spa day” basket, four tickets to Disneyland, or how about a “Barbie” basket for an upcoming birthday or to tuck away for next Christmas. Tee off with a “golf” basket, warm your house with a cord of wood or fill your freezer with a quarter of a grass-fed beef donated by Cascade Creek Farm. A scrumptious selection homemade goodies will be auctioned off as well. This is the perfect way to beat those January blues while supporting a wonderful experience for our teens.

Proceeds from this auction help to pay for students to take part in events such as the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho — the largest jazz festival west of the Mississippi. This year funds also will go toward singers attending the Idaho District 1 Choral Festival as well as the spring trip for the Women’s Performing Choir and the Men’s Honor Choir. Donations to the SHS choirs may be tax deductible.

Sign up for a valentine singing telegram while you’re at the concert! Choir members will serenade your sweetheart as they present a rose and a card from you! Available within Sandpoint city limits (how about at your sweetheart’s favorite restaurant!). It’s a really romantic way to express your affection!

See you at SHS Choir Christmas Concert, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. Admission is only $5 per person.