By Joe Jennison

I came across this editorial in the playbill of the Iowa Theatre Artists Company’s latest show. Written by Tom Johnson, I thought it was a message that everyone needs to hear.

“Let me start out by telling you something you are already painfully aware of: The economy is bad. Jobs are disappearing. Retirement funds are suddenly greatly reduced in size. People are losing their homes. Everyone we know is affected. Responsible people are doing everything they can to hold on: traveling less; hunkering down; cutting nonessentials; reducing spending. All of this is done in the belief that things will get better and that we will weather this very ugly storm.

“Unfortunately, the arts are often on the list of things to be cut. Live music, live comedy, live serious drama frequently fall by the wayside as nonessential. This could not be more tragic. Human beings are the only species known to create art for its own sake. It is created to stimulate, entertain, educate, and inspire. Art is by its very nature designed to elevate man’s soul. Frankly, we need art as much now as we have during any period in our history.

“We encourage you to be good shoppers; be selective; get the best value for your dollar. But, please don’t deprive yourself of the joy of live theatre. Now more than ever we can all benefit from a good story told well in the company of good people. See it, talk about it, share it with your friends. We need the story teller now more than ever.”

-- Tom Johnson, Iowa Theatre Artists Company

Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, offers two big Christmas concerts on Tuesday, Dec. 1. See the Christmas Convocation featuring the Coe College Chorale at 11 a.m.; and see the Christmas Vespers featuring the Coe College Chorale at 7:30 p.m. Both events are free and will take place at Sinclair Auditorium, on the Coe College campus. More information is available through (319) 399-8581.

The Amana Colonies Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts the Tannenbaum Forest, at the Festhalle Barn, Main Amana, through Sunday, Dec. 20. The event includes live Christmas trees, visits with Santa, and a beautifully hand carved Nativity. All proceeds benefit the Iowa Chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Free-will donation. More information is available through (319) 622-7622.

The tradition of Brucemore Holiday Tours, 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, begins Friday, Nov. 27 and continues through Dec. 31. Holiday tours of the mansion begin on the hour, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. $7, $3 for children. Wednesday and Thursday evenings in December, Brucemore offers “A Douglas Family Christmas” where visitors meet the Douglas family and their house staff circa 1911. See this tour Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 17. $10, $3 for children. More information about these events is available through (319) 362-7375.

The “Holiday with the Hoovers” exhibit will take place throughout December at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Museum, 210 Parkside Drive, West Branch. The exhibit will include decorated Christmas trees based on the life and travels of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $6, $3 for seniors, 16 and under, free. More information is available through (319) 643-5301.

Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Road NE, Cedar Rapids presents “Nature’s Noel” Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon. Here, shoppers will find centerpieces, wreaths, and swags made with fresh greens; frozen soups and appetizers; vendors with various handmade wares; cookie dough and candy; and, live music. Free admission. More information is available through (319) 362-0664.

The Carl and Mary Koehler History Center, 615 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids , will present the Iowa Vanguard Jazz Collective Concert, Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the museum. $15. On Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the museum will offer the “Music of Lincoln's Time Concert” at the museum. $25. The museum’s Holiday Tea will take place Saturday, Dec. 12, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. $20, $10 for children. Reservations and information for these events are available through (319) 362-1501.

The University of Iowa Swing Dance Club will offer something called the “Mobster’s Ball” on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Iowa Memorial Union 2^nd Floor Ballroom, on the University of Iowa campus, Iowa City. Guests are asked to “dress to the nines and come dance the night away.” Music by Django's Tigers. Beginner's lesson at 7 p.m., followed by live music. $10. More information is available through uiswing@yahoo.com

Legion Arts at CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, will offer two big concerts in early December. See “unassuming supergroup” WPA on Tuesday, Dec. 1, beginning at 7 p.m.; and critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Ellis Paul Thursday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. The concerts are $25 and $18, respectively. Reservations and information are available through (515) 277-3727.

The University of Iowa Division of Performing Arts has several concerts throughout December. See the Wisconsin Brass Quintet, featuring Iowa Brass Quintet Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Riverside Recital Hall; UI Choirs and Orchestra in the IMU Main Lounge, Wednesday, Dec. 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m.; an evening of dance as part of the Grad/Undergrad Concert Thursday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. in the Space/Place Theatre at UI’s North Hall; the UI Center for New Music and the Composer's Workshop concert at Riverside Recital Hall, Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m.; UI Philharmonia and All-University String Orchestra at Mabie Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.; UI Center for New Music Ensemble in the IMU Ballroom Sunday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m.; UI University and Concert Bands at the IMU Ballroom Monday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m.; Maia Quartet with Wendy Warner, cello at the Englert Theater Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m.; a Collaborative Performance including multimedia, music, and movement Thursday, Dec. 10, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Space/Place Theatre in UI’s North Hall; Opera without Elephants Friday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. at the Englert Theatre; the UI Percussion Concert Sunday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. at the Iowa Memorial Union Ballroom; and the Youth Ballet/Winter Concert Saturday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m. in Space/Place Theatre in UI’s North Hall. Most events free. More information is available through (319) 335-3213.

Kirkwood Community College , 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, will offer several concerts throughout December. See the Fall Jazz Concert featuring guest artist, Bob Sheppard, Saxophone, with CR Jazz Big Band & Kirkwood Jazz Ensemble, Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 pm., in Ballantyne Auditorium. See Chorale Concert featuring the Kirkwood Concert Chorale Friday, Dec. 11, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Ballantyne Auditorium. See the Kirkwood Concert Band Saturday, Dec. 12, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Ballantyne Auditorium. Most concerts are $8. More information is available through (319) 398-4956,

Mount Mercy College , 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, will present The Mount Mercy College Choir and Jazz Connection with a ceremony of traditional readings and carols of the season titled “Lessons and Carols.” See it Wednesday, Dec. 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Free. More information is available through (319) 363-8213.

The Old Creamery Theatre, 39 38^th Ave., Amana, will be offering “Honky Tonk Angels” this holiday season. This is an all-new show featuring holiday music and comedy. See it Wednesday through Sundays through Saturday, Dec. 19, at the theater. $26.50. Reservations and information are available through (800) 35-AMANA.

The Iowa Theatre Artists Company, 4709 220^th Trail, Amana, will offer a new musical titled “All Wrapped Up for Christmas.” See the musical play Thursdays through Sundays through Sunday, Dec. 13. $25. Reservations and information are available through (319) 622-3222.

Playtime Poppy/Children’s Theatre of Cedar Rapids is offering “A Year With Frog and Toad” Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 3 through 5, at Kennedy High School, 4545 Wenig Road, Cedar Rapids. See it Thursday or Friday at 4:30 or 7 p.m.; or Saturday at 2 or 4:30 p.m. $3. More information is available through (319) 365-0328.

Starlighters II Theatre, 136 E. Main St., Anamosa, will present the Irving Berlin classic holiday musical “White Christmas” Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from Dec. 4 through Dec. 13, with a special matinee Saturday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. $14. Reservations and information are available through (319) 462-4793.

The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City, will present several big holiday events this December. See “The Nutcracker” Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. $22, with discounts for seniors and children. See the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Holiday Show Thursday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. $34 to $41. See The Blind Boys of Alabama Sunday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. $10 to $38. And, on Sunday, Dec. 20, see the Natalie Wood version of “The Miracle on 34^th Street” on the big screen, beginning at 7 p.m. $5. Reservations and information on any of these events is available through (319) 688-2653.

Hancher Auditorium is offering two December performances. Check out Natalie MacMaster Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, Highway 22, Riverside. $10 to $45. Or see the a capella group Straight No Chaser Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Iowa Memorial Union Main Lounge, on the University of Iowa campus, Iowa City. $10 to $28. Reservations and information on either show is available through (800) HANCHER.

Orchestra Iowa has two high-profile concerts this December. See Orchestra Iowa’s “Celebration of Carols” either Saturday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m. at Sinclair Auditorium, on the Coe College campus, Cedar Rapids; or Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. at City High School, 1900 Morningside Drive, Iowa City. $10. Orchestra Iowa will also present “Follidays: Hurray for Holidays” Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18 and 19, at 8 p.m., or Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. at Sinclair Auditorium, on the Coe College campus, Cedar Rapids. $14 to $39. Reservations for either show are available through (319) 366-8203.

Chorale Midwest will present its “Season of Songs” Friday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 310 Fifth St. SE, Cedar Rapids. $12. More information is available through (319) 651-1299.

Cruz Steele presents “Christmas in the MUD: An Evening of Holiday Music with Erin Bode and Her Band” Saturday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m. at the Campbell-Steele Gallery, 1064 Seventh Ave., Marion. $75. Reservations and information are available through (319) 373-9211.

Joe Jennison is the Executive Director of the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance, a group of 100+ arts and culture organizations, whose mission is to build, strengthen and lead the local cultural industry and the communities it serves. More information on these and other arts and culture events in the Corridor is located at www.culturalcorridor.org