Marion Ross Performing Arts Center will host holiday concerts

The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center will soon come alive with the spirit of Christmas.

Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving and continuing through mid-December, there will be three concerts centering around the theme of the Christmas holiday.

The first show will feature the Girls of the Hit Parade at 7 p.m. Friday.

This concert will showcase cherished Christmas songs made famous in the 1950s by the Lennon sisters, Andrews sisters, McGuire sisters and the King family.

Costumed in classic ’50s Christmas ball gowns, the group is made up of Colleen Raye and her two daughters, Sophie and Jennifer Grimm, and sister Debbie O’Keefe. Also performing this year will be Raye’s son, Reed Grimm.

After the performance in Albert Lea, the Girls of the Hit Parade will travel to California for 21 holiday shows in December.

The second show of the season will be Bluegrass Christmas by Monroe Crossing at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2.

Based in the Twin Cities, Monroe Crossing is a favorite among bluegrass connoisseurs and non-bluegrass audiences alike.

Named in honor of Bill Monroe, who is known as the father of bluegrass music, Monroe Crossing has been known to dazzle audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and heartfelt originals.

The group has entertained audiences in the United States, Canada and Europe.

The final show will be The Dylan Kaercher Christmas Show on Dec. 15, 16 and 17.

Set on a late 1950s TV show set, the eighth annual show will be filled with familiar holiday songs that audiences will want to tap their feet and sing along to. It explores the true meaning of Christmas.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online. The box office opens two hours before the performance on show day. Tickets are also available by calling 1-877-730-3144.

Tickets, please

What: Girls of the Hit Parade Christmas show

When: 7 p.m.

Cost: $20

What: Bluegrass Christmas by Monroe Crossing

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2

Cost: $18

What: The Dylan Kaercher Christmas Show

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17

Cost: $15