Talented singers from the Riverland College Choir, Riverland faculty and staff and Riverland alumni will join SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16, the Historic Paramount.

Taking the stage will be students Sydney Johnson, Noah Lund, Brianna Boyer, Grady Rambadt, Ethan Ericksmoen, Brenda Lunning, Paige Smith and Triston Armstrong, as well as current and former faculty and staff Sue Knoll, Lindsey Williams, Amy Wagner, MaryKay Wilson, Keith Cich, Jean Kyle, Miguel Garate, Carissa Drake, Nel Zellar, Marijo Alexander, Kirsten Lindbloom-Larsen, Sonia Larson and Kristin Ansorge. RIverland alumni Joshua Whalen, Lia Culbert, Lindsey Wylde, Charli Martin, Kim Zerke, Tristan Sather, Jennifer Wiebrand, Jake Gustine, Victoria Torkelson, Trevor Bordelon, Gordy Handeland. Austin Hodnefield and Kaye Perry will also be performing.

Scott Blankenbaker directs the Riverland Choir.

The SimpleGifts show focuses on traditional Christmas hymns and carols in new, modern arrangements, avoiding commercial and pop repertoire. The award winning six-piece ensemble performed for over 20,000 live audience members in the 2017 season. SimpleGifts musicians combine violin, Celtic whistle and bagpipes, piano, acoustic guitar and percussion with angelic three-part female vocals to create a “modern Old-World” sound.

Performers are Billy McLaughlin on acoustic guitar, Billy Oehrlein on percussion, Heather (Garborg) Moen on violin and vocals, Laura MacKenzie on wooden flutes, whistles, concertina and bagpipes, Karen Paurus on vocals and Amy Courts on vocals and melodica.

Tickets to the general admission show are on sale now at austinareaarts.org. Advance tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for students/seniors and are available until Saturday, Dec. 15. Tickets purchased the day of the show are $30 for adults and $20 for students/seniors.

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Schedule of Events

Friday

• Austin Youth Hockey Squirt A, B, C Tournament, at Riverside Arena. For more information, contact the tournament director at 507-438-2256 or tournamentdirectorayh@gmail.com.

Saturday

• Author Visit – Kiersten Hall, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sweet Reads. Meet author Kiersten Hall, who will also be signing copies of her newest book, “The Lies We Tell.” For more information, call 507-396-8660.

• Santa at the Legion, noon to 4 p.m. at American Legion Post 91. Bring the kids down to see Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Each child will leave with a present and there will also be a drawing to give one lucky boy and girl a new bike. For more information, call 507-437-1151.

• Santa at Lyle City Hall, 1-3 p.m. at Lyle City Hall, 315 First Street. Bring your camera and come to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Please stay to enjoy sleigh rides from Horse’n Around and a family-friendly showing of some classic Christ\mas movie favorites! There is no cost for this event, but free will donations are welcome! Hot chocolate, apple cider, and concessions will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go towards Lyle’s upcoming 150th Celebration in 2020. This event is open to the public and we’d love for kids, families, and people of all ages, and from all around the area, to join us!

• Driller MMA Fights, 6-10 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. For more information, call 507-433-8000.

• Christmas After Hours, 7 p.m. at Sweet Reads. Celebrate the holidays with music by Scott Jasmin and Friends. For more information, call 507-396-8660.

• Christmas Swing, 7 p.m. at VFW Post 1216. The Austin Big Band will feature many of your Christmas favorites for listening and dancing. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/339798153462373/.

• Austin Youth Hockey Squirt A, B, C Tournament, at Riverside Arena. For more information, contact the tournament director at 507-438-2256 or tournamentdirectorayh@gmail.com.

Sunday

• All You Can Eat Pancakes, 9 a.m. to noon at American Legion Post 91. Breakfast includes eggs, sausage, orange juice or milk, and endless pancakes. Tickets $8 at the door. Proceeds go to help veterans in need. For more information, call 507-437-1151.

• All You Can Eat Pancake Fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast complete with bacon and sausage, juice, and coffee or milk, all for only $6. Bake sale will also be held so you can stock up on goodies. Tickets available in advance from Austin All Stars members. Proceeds benefit the Austin All Stars Baseball organization. For more information, call Dave at 507-279-9890.

• Austin Youth Hockey Squirt A, B, C Tournament, at Riverside Arena. For more information, contact the tournament director at 507-438-2256 or tournamentdirectorayh@gmail.com.