December 2, 1999

Middlebury College to Present Holiday Celebrations From Around the World on Dec. 9

Middlebury College will present an evening of Christmas and holiday celebrations from around the world, followed by a buffet dinner, on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 5-7:30 p.m. in the Coltrane Lounge of Adirondack House, on College Street (Route 125). The event will be free and open to the public, but because seating is limited, reservations must be made for the dinner by calling 802-443-5936.

The evening program, hosted by the College’s PALANA (Pan African Latino Asian Native American) Center and Cook Commons, will include a performance by Middlebury College Twilight Artist-in-Residence Dr. François Clemmons, who is the founder of the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble and director of the College choir. The Middlebury College student Russian choir will also enliven festivities by singing unusually earthy Christmas carols, and student-organized quadrille dancers will perform the Caribbean folk dance in colorful traditional costumes. Other student organizations will contribute to the evening celebration, including Hanukkah chanting by Hillel; Kung Fu dancing by the Chinese House; and performances by the African American Alliance; the French Club; and the German House. In addition, individuals will share Christmas stories and celebrations from Italy, Romania, Vietnam, and Wales. A group of community children will present the Swedish legend of Santa Lucia, and members of the PALANA Kids—a cooperative program between Middlebury College students and the Counseling Service of Addison County—will sing Danish folk songs in celebration of the holiday season. A free buffet dinner will be offered following the performances.

For more information or for reservations for the free buffet, contact Jodi Litchfield, Middlebury College diversity assistant, at 802-443-5936.