Activities available to do throughout the Christmas week in Sun Valley range from visiting the newly reopened Whiskey Jacques' saloon to the debut of a classical music series for the winter. Here is a top 10 list of things to do for the week:
1. Whiskey Jacques'
After a devastating fire in September 2008 at Whiskey Jacques', a serious limitation had been placed on live music in Ketchum. Finally, Whiskey's has reopened. Completely rebuilt with a state-of-the art sound system, the bar will feature live music tonight with one of the valley's favorite cover bands, The Cosmic Beans. More live music continues throughout the week with the Jeremiah James Gang on Saturday, Dec. 26, Steampowered Airplane on Monday, Dec. 28, and Scenic Byway on Wednesday, Dec. 30. All music starts at 10 p.m. and a cover charge may vary.
2. "A Christmas Carol—The Musical"
It would not be a proper holiday season without a "A Christmas Carol." Take the entire family to see the nexStage and Laughing Stock Theatre's production of "A Christmas Carol—The Musical," in its fourth year at the nexStage Theatre in Ketchum. Adding to the experience, this year's show will feature the musical accompaniment of Paul Tillotson. "A Christmas Carol—The Musical," was written by Charles Dickens and adapted by Mark Waldrop with music by Dick Gallagher. The show be performed this evening at 7 p.m. and a final performance on Thursday, Dec. 24, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 for reserved seats, $25 general seating and $10 for students. Tickets are available at the nexStage or by calling 726-4857.
3. "A Year with Frog and Toad"
Every child must see "A Year with Frog and Toad." Presented by Company of Fools at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey, "Frog and Toad" is a musical for all ages and is a heart-warming story about two best friends who share adventures throughout a year. The show takes place at 7 p.m. this evening and will have additional performances at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 26, 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 27, and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29.
Performances at the Liberty Theatre continue through Jan. 3, and the Fools have announced an online ticket purchasing option at companyoffools.org. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for seniors (62 and over) and $10 for children (18 years and under). For groups of six or more, tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children. For tickets, call 578-9122 or visit companyoffools.org.
4. Sun Valley Christmas Concert
The second annual Sun Valley Christmas Concert at the Sun Valley Opera House today, Dec. 23, will feature performances by brother and sister John and Leslie Mauldin and husband and wife Jason and Michelle Detwiler. All have sung on stages throughout the U.S. and beyond to rave reviews. Accompanied by an ensemble of talented musicians on strings and piano, they will sing their favorite traditional Christmas tunes. Doors at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for seniors and students. For tickets, call 622-2135 or visit seats.sunvalley.com.
5. Visit Galena Lodge
Head to Galena for a scrumptious holiday dinner prepared by Chef Don Shepler. One of the most unusual Christmas experiences in the valley is to enjoy Christmas dinner after skiing and savoring the beauty at Galena Lodge, 23 miles north of Ketchum off state Highway 75. The lodge will offer holiday dinners at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24, Friday, Dec. 25, and Saturday, Dec. 26. Sup on an appetizer of mushroom strudel with duck confit, a corn bisque soup and a spinach salad with roasted beets, oranges and blue cheese for starters. Entrees will include an Idaho elk tri-tip with a savory wild mushroom sauce as well as Idaho sturgeon. For dessert, enjoy a holiday bread pudding with rum sauce. In addition, Galena Lodge will offer "full moon dinners" on Tuesday, Dec. 29, and Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 6:30 p.m. For reservations, call 726-4010.
6. Ketchum Winter Antique Show
Bill Summer will take over the nexStage Theater with his winter antique show on Monday, Dec. 28, Tuesday, Dec. 29, and Wednesday, Dec. 30. A Ketchum tradition, the show is free and takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. A highlight of this year's assemblage of antique dealers from Los Angeles, Portland and other Western cities will include a unique dealer featuring vintage Chanel clothes and accessories as well as other designers. In addition, the show will include many returning dealers such as Jonathon Schwarz with his vintage watches and items from American Garage.
7. Gallery Walk
The Sun Valley Gallery Association will sponsor a Gallery Walk on Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 5-7 p.m. Ketchum galleries open their doors offering libations and a chance to peruse art from artists across the U.S. and beyond. For a listing of galleries and exhibitions, see the C section.
8. Sun Valley Christmas Eve Festival
Another valley tradition is the Sun Valley Christmas Eve Festival. Sun Valley celebrates Christmas Eve on Thursday, Dec. 24, beginning at 5 p.m. with the Sun Valley Carolers roaming throughout the village and the "Nutcracker on Ice" at the outdoor ice rink, followed by a torchlight parade and fireworks. Enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies in the fairytale setting of Christmas in Sun Valley.
9. Bruce Willis live at The Mint
The Bruce Willis Band is back and will play with a special local guest musician on tonight, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 24, at The Mint in Hailey. Doors will open at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of the show. In addition, legendary musician Dave Mason will play two New Year's Eve shows on Thursday, Dec. 31. For tickets and details, call 788-1051.
10. Sun Valley Winter Artist Series
The Sun Valley Winter Artist Series will make its debut on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of the Bigwood in Ketchum. The first show in a series of four throughout the winter will feature "An Evening of Chamber Music." Musicians will include Rudy Kremer on violin, Marylene Gingras Roy on viola, David Premo on cello and Susan Spelius Dunning on piano performing Mendelssohn's D minor trio and Brahms' G minor piano quartet. A Meet the Artists reception will take place in the lobby after each concert. Tickets are $120 for the series. Individual tickets for general seating are $35 and for students $15. For details, call 725-5807 or visit svwas.org.
For a complete listing of events and activities, see the calendars on Page S10 and in the C section.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
“A Year with Frog and Toad” is show for the entire family at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. Courtesy photo by Kirsten Shultz
