Mormons to hold holiday program

The Honolulu Hawaii Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present its 24th annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday at the Honolulu Tabernacle, 1560 S. Beretania St.

The free concert will feature traditional carols and upbeat holiday songs, with performances by the Concert Choir and Concert Orchestra, both under the direction of Craig Young; the Children’s Choir, led by Beth Uale; and the Youth Choir, under the direction of Janine Lung. Drill Team Hawaii’s dancers and guest soloists also will perform.

The adult choir members are volunteers from the nine wards and units of the Honolulu Stake who began rehearsals in October, practicing two to three times a week leading up to the program. The orchestra comprises community and student musicians.

The annual musical program is organized by Craig Young, director of orchestras at Punahou School and a member of the stake’s High Council.

Parking is available at the Spa Fitness Center parking structure next to the tabernacle. Call 358-6935.

Concerts provide sing-along time

Carols old and new, with sing-along opportunities for the audience, will be presented at the Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble’s Annual Christmas Concerts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at Mystical Rose Oratory, Chaminade University in Kaimuki.

Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and military; $5 for students; and $35 for preferred seating. Get tickets at the door, or in advance at HonoluluBoxOffice.com or by calling 550-8457.

The 30-voice ensemble, now in its 19th season, will sing traditional English choral selections by Parry, Warlock, Ireland and Willcocks, and more familiar tunes such as "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" and "Silent Night."

John McCreary will accompany the audience carols on organ.

Postwar Kailua is library topic

"Kailua: After the War" is the topic of a free program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Kailua Public Library. The event, presented by the Kailua Historical Society, is part of the library’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The round-table discussion will include Paul Brennan and other historical society members and contributors to the organization’s book, "Kailua: In the Wisps of the Malanai Breeze," published in 2009.

Organizers say the one-hour program is suitable for those age 12 and older. Kailua Public Library is located at 239 Kuulei Road. Call 266-9911.