November 30, 1999
Contact: Bunny Smith, University Relations, (785) 864-8860.
LAWRENCE -- Colorful banners and dozens of brilliant red poinsettias in the Strong Hall rotunda herald the holiday season at the University of Kansas. The six banners, which debuted last year, feature themes celebrating the winter holiday traditions of Hispanics and Native Americans, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Chinese New Year.
The poinsettias represent KU's participation in the Festival of Poinsettias sponsored by the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau to attract visitors to the community and campus.
A traditional highlight of the holiday season at KU is the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which is set for 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at the Outlook, the chancellor's residence. Chancellor Robert Hemenway will light several trees around the residence; caroling and refreshments will follow. Faculty and staff are invited to join students and the general public for this event.
Other holiday-related events on Mount Oread include:
-- Vespers, the university's traditional holiday concert, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Lied Center. The 75th annual presentation of Vespers will feature the KU choirs and orchestra, and is presented by the Department of Music and Dance. Tickets are available through the KU box offices.
-- "In dulci jubilo: Early Music for the Christmas Season," presented by the Collegium Musicum and Oread Consort at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, in Bales Organ Recital Hall. Tickets are available through the KU box offices.
-- "Here's Love," a family musical based on the book Miracle on 34th Street, at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at the Lied Center. Tickets are available through the KU box offices and TicketMaster.
-- "Amahl and the Night Visitors," presented by the KU Opera at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, and at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St. Tickets are available through the KU box offices.
-- The Spencer Art Museum annual holiday celebration at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. The event features music, food and activities for all ages.
-- The Boys Choir of Harlem's Christmas Tour will make a stop at the Lied Center for a sold-out performance at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17.