Thanksgiving is nigh, which means two things: Spending time with family and good food (not necessarily in that order) and the official start of the holiday season. While struggling with the endless barrage of commercials and exhortations to help retailers enjoy a very Merry Spend-mas, those of us looking for genuine sentiment and a warming sense of community need look no further than one of the most endearing traditions: the L.A. County Holiday Celebration, sponsored by the County Board of Supervisors on Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, from 3 to 6 p.m.

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Harmonic Bronze Handbell Ensemble Will Perform Next Month

As in years past – since 1964 – the celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, produced by the Arts Commission, brings together choirs, musicians, and dancers from throughout L.A.’s diverse neighbourhoods and cultures in a lively celebration. Entry is free, and so is parking below the Pavilion in the Music Center parking garage. Patrons may come and go throughout the performance

Reservations are not necessary

Among this year’s performances you’ll find:

• Liturgical Afro-Cuban drumming and song from ADAAWE, an all-women’s African music ensemble.

• Traditional dance from the Mexican state of Durango from the Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company.

• The Jazz Tap Ensemble with a holiday-inspired tap dance and an ensemble of live jazz musicians.

• A modern interpretation of the traditional Korean fan dance from Kwan Gyu Lim Dance Company.

• Classic Hanukkah songs – Klezmer-style – with The Shpil.

• Prime Note Ensemble, an all-male Filipino choir singing in English and Tagalog.

• Grammy-nominated Lisa Haley and the Zydekats celebrate the holidays Americana/Cajun/Zydeco style.

• Current Latin Grammy award nominee La Santa Cecilia with a holiday hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music.

• Mandrill, one of Funk and R&B’s most progressive bands and an important pioneer on the world music scene, will perform their signature 1970 hit “Peace and Love”.

• Holiday hip hop from Versa-Style Dance Company.

www.HolidayCelebration.org

KCET television will carry a live broadcast and will repeat the program at 8 on Christmas Eve. If you only are near a radio, KPFK (90.7) will carry the celebration live at 3 o’clock.

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…and also fashion with TFPO's The Fashionoclast at www.fashionoclast.com