Philharmonic, Jr. Phil, Kenny G, Tuba Christmas, more to entertain Erie for holidays

What many consider to be the most wonderful time of the year is nearly here, with carols for singing and holiday concerts to attend around the Erie area.

The Erie Philharmonic is preparing for both pops and Handel's "Messiah" and the Junior Philharmonic is offering a free holiday concert. Tennessee Backporch is inviting you to "Follow the Star;" Kenny G is bringing his saxophone to Erie; Tuba Christmas is back; a new group of professional choral singers is presenting "The Essence of Christmas" and even more is happening.

We searched online calendars, websites, Facebook and more for events this season. If you know of a holiday concert or choral performance that didn't already make our list, send all the details in an email to dmassing@timesnews.com.

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Erie Phil and Jr. Phil

The Erie Philharmonic will present its annual holiday pops concert, "Come Home for the Holidays: A Soulful Christmas," twice on Dec. 3, at 3 and 8 p.m., at the Warner Theatre, 811 State St. Joining the Erie Phil will be featured guests including Blaine Krauss, CoCo Smith and Shaleah Adkisson along with the Philharmonic Chorus, Junior Chorus and Youth Chorale. Tickets are $10 to $56 plus fees. Call 814-455-1375 or visit eriephil.org/22-23#22-23pops for tickets.

The Erie Junior Philharmonic will offer a holiday concert Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at Strong Vincent Middle School, 1330 W. Eighth St. The symphony, chamber and overture ensembles will perform familiar holiday tunes and medleys. Free. https://eriephil.org/calendar/juniorphilholiday

Handel's "Messiah" will be performed Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 W. Seventh St. The event will feature the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, Erie Philharmonic Orchestra and various soloists. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for students. Call 814-455-1375 or visit eriephil.org/messiah for tickets.

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Mercyhurst University

A "Holiday Concert Celebration" will be presented as part of "A Mercyhurst Christmas Gala" on Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center at the university, 501 E. 38th St. The school's Wind Ensemble and Civic Orchestra will perform as part of the annual gala. Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and younger. Visit mercyhurst.edu/events/a-mercyhurst-christmas-gala-holiday-concert-celebration for tickets.

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"'Tis the Season" will be offered by the Mercyhurst University Dance Department and the D’Angelo Department of Music Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. and at 7 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. The Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble will perform Christmas favorites and holiday classics. The Mercyhurst Dance Department will present “The Nutcracker Suite.” Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7.50 for students, and $5 for youth and Mercyhurst students. miac.universitytickets.com, miac.mercyhurst.edu/events/tis-season

Tennessee Backporch

"Follow the Star" will be offered four times by Tennessee Backporch on Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 5-7 at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 8880 W. Main St., McKean. The Erie variety band's Christmas concert will feature original music and creative cover renditions of favorite Christmas songs. Tickets are $20. Visit facebook.com/tennesseebackporch to learn more or bit.ly/3huNKsY for tickets.

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Kenny G

Kenny G will bring "The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour" to Erie on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Warner Theatre, 811 State St. The Grammy Award-winning saxophonist with the iconic curly hair will perform a mix of holiday hits and fan favorites infused with his captivating and distinctive blend of R&B, pop, Latin and jazz. $117, $87, $67, $47, plus fees. Call 814-452-4857 or visit erieevents.com for tickets.

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North East Choral Club

The Choral Club will present a Christmas concert titled “Sending You a Little Christmas ” on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at Park United Methodist Church, 30 N. Lake St., North East. Refreshments will follow in the church fellowship hall. Donations will benefit local nonprofits. 814-725-4105, www.pumcne.org

Tuba Christmas

The Tuba Christmas Erie concert returns Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. to Reed Union Building's McGarvey Commons at Penn State Behrend, 4701 College Drive, Harborcreek Township. Tuba, sousaphone, baritone, and euphonium players of all ages, some in festive clothing and with instrument decorations, will participate. Free. Call 814-898-6289 or visit bit.ly/3UENSUQ to learn more.

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St. Peter Cathedral

"A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" will take place Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at St. Peter Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St. Performed by the adult choir, the event will feature readings and carols including Gustav Holst's "Christmas Day." Free. Call 814-453-6677 or visit stpetercathedral.com to learn more.

"The Essence of Christmas" will be presented by Transcendence on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at St. Peter Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St. The concert kicks off the premiere season of the professional choral singers under the auspices of St. Peter Cathedral. This first performance will feature seasonal choral works by composers including Praetorius, Victoria, Byrd, Britten and Lauridsen, and Kirke Mechem's "The Seven Joys of Christmas" with guest artist and harpist Julia Jamieson. Free. Call 814-453-6677 or visit stpetercathedral.com/transcendence for more information.

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Young Artists Debut Orchestra

The Young Artists Debut Orchestra will perform "Yule Love" on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at First Alliance Church, 2939 Zimmerly Road. The concert will feature violinist Emil Altschuler and works by Vivaldi, Britten, Porter and Torme. Free. 814-722-6033, www.yadostars.org

Find more holiday-related and general entertainment events at GoErie.com/calendar.

Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@timesnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @ETNmassing.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Holiday, Christmas concerts in Erie area in 2022