Have you sensed a seasonal change in the summer-like temperatures that gripped the Inland Empire for several months? Maybe it’s because internet ticket sales for a popular regional Christmas concert are already underway this week!
Selah, the award-winning contemporary Christian vocal trio, will be featured in two concert performances in Calimesa on December 17 and 18. The local appearances come as the acclaimed concert and recording artists wrap up a national “Christmas with Selah” tour.
The sponsor of the concerts is Calimesa Community Concerts, in its 36th year of providing memorable experiences for music lovers and families along the inland corridor.
Selah was formed in 1997 by brother and sister Todd and Nicol Smith (now Nicol Sponberg) and their friend Allan Hall. Nicol left the group in 2004 to pursue a solo career, and Amy Perry soon became a full-time trio member.
More than four million albums and single Selah recordings have been sold, and 36 “Dove” nominations and awards from the Gospel Music Association have recognized the group’s musical achievements. Their sacred album titled “You Amaze Us” opened in the number 1 position on the charts and held that distinction for an unprecedented 11 weeks.
The trio previously appeared in sold-out performances for the Calimesa concert series in 2014.
All tickets for this year’s performances -- at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec.17, and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 -- are for reserved seating priced at $30, $15, and $10 depending on seat location. Dr. Bob Soderblom, founding director of the Calimesa series, says this year’s holiday tickets can be ordered online from iTickets.com or by phone at (800) 965-9324. Popular credit cards are accepted.
No tickets will be sold at the door, and protective face masks are encouraged for all who are attending, Soderblom advises. He urges early purchasing for preferred seat locations.
Both local Selah performances are at the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church, 391 Myrtlewood Dr. (4th and Myrtlewood) in Calimesa. Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes before each event.
The church is chosen to host the community concerts each Christmas partly because of its long tradition of beautiful lighting and decoration to honor the religious holiday, Soderblom explains. “Early ticket orders have the best choice of seating for both the concerts,” he concludes. A dedicated telephone line provides information and directions for the concert: Dial (909) 795-9741 and press # to hear the recording.
Audience members at each Calimesa performance will be welcome at a complimentary reception afterward, enjoying light holiday refreshments and the opportunity to visit with other concertgoers and meet the musical artists, according to the concert announcement.
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