The Northwinds Brass Band Christmas concert kicks off the month, with a show following the Bridge To Wonderland Parade at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Hear the traditional Northwinds Brass, in the British Brass Band tradition. The special program will feature sparkling brass Christmas music from around the world.

This year marks a 20th anniversary, and the eighth holiday season performance at the Heyde Center. The band is made up of musicians from the entire northwestern part of Wisconsin, and one from Minnesota.

Members from Chippewa Falls are Jessica Dineen (French horn), Bob Koepsel (Eb tuba), Jerry Naiberg (Bb tuba) and Ross Wilson, this year’s guest conductor.

Admission is $5 with a $1 discount for CVCA members.

December artist

December artist of the month at the Heyde Center for the Arts is Tatiana Zank of Bloomer.

The exhibit is open during building hours, from Wednesday, Dec. 5 through Friday, Dec. 28. Admission is free.

Originally from Russia, Zank paints in oils, and her works include large-scale portraiture and other representational subjects that are photo realistic.

“I especially enjoy painting children, as their expressions are so genuine,” Zank said.

Her paintings have appeared in numerous publications, private collections and exhibitions.

A reception for the artist will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7 and from 5:30 to 6 p.m. she will demonstrate her technique.

String TiesM

What would the Christmas holiday season be without a little bluegrass? The String Ties perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7.

The String Ties band, always a hit, has been playing bluegrass for over 10 years. In the past five years they have added a Christmas show that the Pump House Regional Arts Center in La Crosse calls, “the best show of the season.”

From a foot-stompin’ version of “Sleigh Ride” to a calming “Silent Night,” Dan Sebranek guitarist and lead singer, Tom Pfaff, a legendary banjo player, Wayne Beezley, a master of the mandolin and Larry Dalton, an eclectic upright bass player will keep you singing through the month of December.

Tom’s wife Christi often demonstrates her specialty of clog dancing. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $6 for students.