Upcoming fine arts and cultural events at Central College

Pella Artist Invitational

Open through Dec. 8

Mills Gallery

The exhibit includes work by seven local artists for a varied celebration of local talent. Artists include Joline De Jong, Ken Esveld, Joe Hoksbergen, Marlyn Hoksbergen, Mary Robertson, Eric Robinson, Karen Spencer and Andrea Van Wyk. A reception for the artists will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in the gallery.

Flying Pans Steel Drum Concert

7:30 p.m. Dec. 5

Graham Conference Center, Vermeer Banquet Hall

Enjoy your favorite Christmas classics with a tropical twist, directed by Stan Dahl. Tickets are $5 – or one new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Symphonic Wind Ensemble and NOLA Jazz Band

4 p.m. Dec. 6

Douwstra Auditorium

The NOLA (New Orleans, LA) Jazz Band from Des Moines will share the stage with Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The concert is free and open to the public. SWE will perform on tour in New Orleans in January, and the joint concert with NOLA will provide students and community members with an exciting introduction to the music of the Big Easy.

Christmas Candlelight Concert

8 p.m. Dec. 11-12 (Dec. 10 in Des Moines)

Douwstra Auditorium

The Christmas Candlelight Concerts are a Central College holiday tradition. The A Cappella Choir will perform under the direction of Mark Babcock, and College Community Orchestra will perform under Diane Phoenix-Neal. Tickets are $10 per adult, $8 for children, students and senior citizens, and free with Central ID. Guests can now buy tickets to the concert (and pre-concert dinners) online.