Barbershop singers to perform holiday faves at two concerts

More than 70 barbershop singers from across the western suburbs and Chicago will combine their talents Dec. 6 and 7 for Christmas shows in Naperville, event organizers said.

The 2025 program, “Home for the Holidays,” will unite singers from seven area barbershop organizations for a program of holiday favorites and carols performed in the four-part harmonies, a news release said. The mass chorus has adopted the name Northern Illinois Harmony Alliance.

“This is a program for all ages, and showcases some of the finest barbershop talent in this part of the state,” Bill Murschel, of Wheaton, one of the organizers of the annual event, said in the release. “The energy and showmanship created by this many performers on stage is certain to be inspirational and sure to put attendees in the Christmas spirit.”

The program will be presented at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, at Grace United Methodist Church, 300 Gartner Road.

All selections performed will be done without accompaniment, and the shows will feature full-chorus selections, quartets and ensembles.

Tickets cost $15 and $25 and are available at www.chorusofdupage.com/events or by calling the organization’s ticket hotline at 331-444-2740. There may be limited tickets available at the door, organizers said.

Internationally-known artists to perform at church concert

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville will host three internationally-recognized vocalists and recording artists at its annual Advent Lessons and Carols program.

The program will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the church, 1500 Brookdale Road, and will include Scripture readings and music to prepare for Christmas, officials with St. Thomas the Apostle said.

John Angotti, Meredith Augustin and Tony Alonso will join the St. Thomas Music Makers, including both youth and adult choirs and instrumentalists.

Angotti, director of music and liturgy at St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, Tennessee, travels worldwide delivering inspirational music through concerts, workshops, conferences and worship, church officials said.

Augustin, director of music at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in midtown Manhattan, New York, is a featured soloist on most of Angotti’s recordings. She has released four solo records and serves as vice president of pastoral services at RENEW International.

Alonso is a Latin Grammy-nominated composer of sacred music. His music appears in compilations and hymnals across Christian denominations throughout the world, and his “Mass of Joy and Peace” is one of the most widely sung Mass settings in the English-speaking world.

For more information, go to www.stapostle.org.

Block 59 to hold holiday events with Santa in December

Santa will be ice skating at Block 59’s new outdoor ice rink from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20.

Skate with Santa is $14 for adults ages 13 to 49 and $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 50 and older. Block 59’s ice rink also offers $12 admission for members of the military, teachers, nurses and first responders with identification.

The Rink at Block 59, 404 Route 59, is open through Jan. 19. Skate rentals are available. Tickets can be bought at www.theblock59.com/therink.

Block 59 is also offering a chance to have breakfast with Santa.

Reservations are available for the special breakfast Saturday, Dec. 13, at Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, 436 Route 59. Time slots range from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

The event includes a free kids meal, photos with Santa, a hot cocoa and cookies bar, and a gift for the kids.

Reservations are required through www.opentable.com.

For more information, go to www.theblock59.com.

 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/naperville-barbershop-church-concerts-santa-skating/