'This Winter Night' shines with dance, music, more

This Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 29-30, the Pend Oreille Arts Council, Suzuki String Academy and Allegro Dance Studio will “This Winter Night” at the Panida Theater, with two matinees and an evening performance to choose from.

Blending the talents of local musicians and dancers, with beautiful costumes and a variety of musical genres where “Mozart meets Coldplay,” this is show the whole family will enjoy! The collaborative event will also feature the work of local visual artists.

“We are thrilled to present a celebration of our community’s considerable artistic talent,” said POAC Executive Director Tone Lund. “Join us for a magical evening of music, dance and art. This is a very special opportunity to ‘dress up to come to the ballet’ in your own hometown!”

There will be two matinees, both at 2 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday, and a gala performance at 7 p.m. on Saturday evening. All performances include a pre-show reception in the Panida’s Little Theater, decked out as a festive Winter Wonderland, featuring a decadent hot-chocolate bar, art gallery display, and raffle including a beautiful hand painted violin by local artist Lisa V Maus. Raffle funds will go towards scholarships for local students. Young concert goers will also have the opportunity to meet and pose for a photo with ballerinas from the show. Tickets to the Saturday evening gala performance also include complimentary wine, and small dessert bites in the Little Theater provided by City Beach Organics and Trinity at City Beach.

Event organizers, Suzuki String Director Ruth Klinginsmith and Allegro Director Paige MacDonald, name classically trained violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling as a main point of inspiration for “This Winter Night.” Stirling’s innovative combination of music and dance influenced what MacDonald describes as a “whimsical and interactive” production.

“It’s a gift from us to the community showing them how talented their kids truly are,” said MacDonald.

Klinginsmith concurs. “It is a great way to showcase our local students, to have them work toward something and polish something and have it at this level to share with others, she said. “I just love the idea of having live music and dance together. That excites me.”

Musicians from Suzuki Strings Academy include: Bianca d’Avila Do Prado, Scott Boekenoogen, Jacinta Howard, Ruth Klinginsmith, Mallory Pierce, Even Schwenk, and Marianne Wall.

Tickets are available at the POAC Office at 110 Main St., Suite 101, online at www.artinsandpoint.org, or by phone 208-263-6139. Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday matinees are $35 and, for the Saturday evening gala, $45. All proceeds to benefit Suzuki Strings Academy, Allegro Dance Studio and the Pend Oreille Arts Council.