Nevada City, CA – The holidays are a magical time in Nevada City and the Miners Foundry Cultural Center invites the community to a number of annual events to connect, create lasting memories and share in the joy of the season.
“As we step into the holidays, the Miners Foundry is thrilled to offer events that bring people together to celebrate Nevada City’s unique charm and creativity. From discovering handmade treasures at our Winter Craft Fair to watching Clara & The Nutcracker light up the stage, our cultural center is a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays as a vibrant gathering place for all,” said Executive Director Gretchen Bond.
Golden Shoulders Nov. 29
Two local favorite bands, Golden Shoulders with special guests Casual Fog will perform on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29.
“This is a tradition at The Foundry to have an ‘homegrown locals show during Thanksgiving weekend. It’s a great opportunity for folks to come out and celebrate their local talent with their visiting family and friends,” said Bond.
Golden Shoulders has a rotating lineup of members who join founder Adam Kline. At the Nov. 29 show, Kline will be joined by guitarist Ehren Haas, bassist Hunter Burgan, local treasure Brett Shady, Jonathan Hansard and percussionists Todd Roper and David Nicholson, along with other special guests.
The band will perform their seminal 2004 album “Friendship is Deep” featuring the song, “I Will Light You On Fire.”
Nevada City Winter Craft Fair Dec. 1
Shop for holiday gifts from more than 70 crafters, designers and artisans during the 13th Annual Nevada City Winter Craft Fair on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Presenting the freshest voices of the local hand-made movement, this juried exhibition of makers is a showcase of hip, sustainable, yet innovative and whimsical items representing the best of the region. Since its start in 2010, the biennial event has introduced over 10,000 attendees to more than 600 local and regional artists, designers and crafters.
The Foundry Sings Dec 4.
The holiday installment of The Foundry Sings is an opportunity to gather with people of all ages in the power of song.
Rod Baggett, retired choral conductor at Nevada Union High School will lead community singers supported by the guitar playing of Jonathan Meredith and Tim Yamauchi.
The Foundry Sings is open to everyone and will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. Tell your friends, make new ones and bring the whole family.
The Foundry Sings is inspired by the popular Choir! Choir! Choir! a weekly drop-in singing event based in Toronto, Canada.
Martinis & Mistletoe Dec. 7
People who love swing dancing and Christmas classics will love Martinis and Mistletoe, a Holiday Cabaret on Dec. 7. This much-anticipated evening evokes the charm of a bygone era with cabaret jazz and holiday pop classics in the beautiful Stone Hall.
Singer Tamara Fouyer and her band will be accompanied by local favorites Michelle Amador and Karen Woerner on harmonies.
This special performance features some of the finest singers and jazz instrumentalists in Nevada County performing music from the WWII era, featuring memorable standards from the Andrews Sisters, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald and more.
The Miners Foundry offers a no host full bar featuring specialty martinis alongside appetizers and sweet treats.
Clara and the Nutcracker Dec. 12 – 15
Since 2012, Holt Ballet Conservatory and the Miners Foundry have presented Clara and the Nutcracker. This year, audiences can revisit the classic ballet with a new spin on five dates, Dec. 12 – 15.
“Our Nutcracker goes a little deeper than the traditional one. Clara doesn’t sit on a throne and passively survey the dancing of life performed by others, but joins in, and embraces life herself. This is a powerful cast. You’ll be delighted,” said Yelena Holt, owner of Holt Ballet and Artistic Director.
Every year, families enjoy time together with this classic story of Clara dreaming of her beloved Nutcracker coming to life battling the wicked Mouse King. It’s a holiday celebration of dance, music and theater.
Participants sit by the yuletide fire while sipping a hot spiced cider, glass of wine or cocktail. In vibrant costumes, skilled dancers delight audiences with the time honored music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky. With several dates to choose from and many of the traditional roles double cast, audiences will be entertained by Sugar Plum Fairies, Spanish Dancers, Arabian Princesses, Snow Queens and more.
Proceeds from the show benefit Miners Foundry and its mission to support local and national talent and help Holt Ballet Conservatory to continue to provide professional training in classical ballet to Nevada County’s aspiring dancers.
Learn more and purchase tickets for these events and more at minersfoundry.org
The Miners Foundry Cultural Center is a living historic treasure serving Nevada County as a cultural art and community events center producing 400 events annually. More than a venue, the nonprofit’s mission is to preserve, enhance and utilize the historic Miners Foundry for cultural, educational and social activities in Nevada County. It is a symbol of California’s rich historical heritage, providing an educational and social bridge from our past to the present and future. Membership supports ongoing events at Miners Foundry such as these and many others.