Some seats for this year’s “double-feature” Christmas concerts in Calimesa are still available online, according to an update this week from Calimesa Community Concerts. Some seating categories are sold out, but seats together are open in other locations on both concert dates, Dec. 21 and 22.
Two critically acclaimed musical groups will be featured together in both sacred-music performances this year, according to the concert series announcement. The twin events highlight the 32nd year of family musical programming in Calimesa, notes series director Dr. Bob Soderblom.
“Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass” will be joined by the five-member male vocal group “VERITAS” in this year’s concerts at the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church, 391 Myrtlewood Drive, on Friday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, December 22, at 4 p.m. Both (more) performances will be followed by light refreshments and a “meet-and-greet” opportunity with the musicians, Soderblom says.
“Hymn classics with a contemporary flair” characterize the concerts and recordings of Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass, now in their 40th performing season. The classically trained group comprises three trumpets, three trombones, a tuba, percussion, and keyboards. They play over 150 concerts each year and have just released their 18th recording, “Christmas Joy,” on the Summit Records label.
VERITAS has developed a strong Inland Empire following since first appearing in the area with gospel vocalist Sandi Patty during her 2017 farewell tour. She described the singers’ classical sound as “like hearing five Josh Grobans at the same time.” The powerhouse vocal group chose its name – Latin for “truth” – to reflect their spiritual and musical values, they explain.
Reserved-seat tickets for either of the two-hour concerts can be ordered on-line or by telephone at $10, $15, $25, or $30, depending on availability and location, Soderblom says. Internet sales are from www.iTickets.com and phone orders at (800) 965-9324. Popular credit cards are accepted.
No tickets will be sold at the door.
The church is chosen to host the community concerts each Christmas partly because of its long tradition of beautiful lighting and decoration to mark the religious holiday, Soderblom notes. Concertgoers will find free parking adjacent to the church, he adds.
A dedicated telephone line provides free recorded information and directions for the concerts at (909) 795-4960.