Seattle Center Winterfest Features Classical, Jazz, et al., 12/17-19

This especially musical Winterfest weekend offers inspiration and dynamic movement and sound, from classical to jazz music to square dancing and whistling flutes, presented by some of the region's most impassioned artists. All performances are free and open to the public.

Seattle Center Winterfest also offers Saturday afternoon ice sculpting and bonfire sing-alongs, the Winter Train and Village and Winter Ice Rink (skate rental and use charge).   

Event Listing for Dec. 17 - 19 (all performances in Center House)

Microsoft® Orchestra:  more than just a software giant, Microsoft® is also home to many passionate and accomplished musicians, including a 60-member classical orchestra. Come hear them in sonorous seasonal symphonic selections, Friday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Eastside Modern Jazz Orchestra:  this adjunct ensemble of the Woodinville Community Band plays an exciting mix of funk, Latin, jazz-rock fusion, and contemporary jazz, all expressed with the unique power of a big band. Led by saxophonist extraordinaire and music instructor Neil Proff, expect to hear music from great jazz arrangers, Saturday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.

Seattle Flute Society:  this choir of 20 Seattle flutists present a seasonal feast of classical, jazz, baroque, ethnic and contemporary flute music. The Society promotes an appreciation of the instrument by featuring the entire flute family - from the piccolo at the high end down to the rare contrabass flute at the low end, Sunday, Dec. 19, 12:30 p.m.

Community Square Dance:  twirling skirts abound as dancers ages 8 to 95 follow calls to "Promenade," "Allemande Left" and "Do-Si-Do" in this age-old folk dance, Sunday, Dec. 19, 4 p.m.

Ice Sculpting:  award-winning artists create seasonal sculptures. Watch while they work or stop by later to see the glistening result. Each Saturday, an ice master will carve a different design. Saturday, Dec. 18, 12 noon - 2 p.m., outside Fisher Pavilion, free.

Fireside Singing:  share in warmth and music around the crackling flames of a bonfire. Folksingers lead passers-by in a mix of original, traditional and contemporary folk holiday songs as embers illuminate the night. Saturday, Dec. 18, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., outside Fisher Pavilion.

For more information on Seattle Center Winterfest presented by KOMO 4 TV, parking and directions to the Center, visit www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest or call 206-684-7200. Digital images of Winterfest are available at www.seattlecenter.com/library. Login is "digitallibrary" and password is "images."

Connect to the sights, sounds and spirit of the season at Seattle Center Winterfest presented by KOMO 4 TV: five weeks of free and affordable, fun-filled activities and entertainment, Nov. 26 - Dec. 31. Visit Center House - displaying its winter finest - and explore the enchanting Winter Train and Village. The Ice Rink returns, along with music and comedy, jazz and dance, cultural celebrations, ice sculpting, fireside singing, student showcases and more. Seattle Center Winterfest is part of Holidays in the City, and is sponsored by the City of Seattle, Seattle Center Foundation, Seattle Weekly and KOMO 4 TV.