The afternoon began with a treat from Aymoray School of dance performing traditional favorites from Jalisco, Veracruz and the Yucatan regions in Mexico. Although it was clear that it was chilly outside each dancer provided a great performance.

Upon the end and a short wait the procession, began in traditional fashion lead by Mary (Rachael Jaco) and Joseph (Miguel Trejo) on a live donkey. Symbolic of their journey the group trekked across downtown Pueblo making several stops. Each stop provided a great performance by students of Pueblo School of Arts and Sciences and local Performance groups.

Thereafter each stop, each respondent group joined in the procession making a rather large group at the final destination, the Pueblo County Court House. Here all groups sang several songs and Mary, Joseph and Jesus were presented with gifts from the wise men, who sang beautifully. Although cold and bundled up, my family and I were appreciative and felt we had learned a lesson as Merry Christmas was exclaimed to the crowd in various languages and we too knew what Mary and Joseph had lived through. Loving the religious and ritual aspects of this event, we will return next year, perhaps only next time wear more layers of clothing and more hot cider.

As the show began I was already motivate by the incredible scenery created by Jeff Jaba. With bedazzling blue everywhere I was ready to escape into the Ice Kingdom. From the opening number I knew that I was in for a treat and was impressed by the independent and well educated dancers. At times feeling like I was transported to New York and feeling like I was watching the Rockettes perform. From the youngest to oldest dancer there was no weak link on this stage.

Each number proved to provide instead a well formed constellation of stars, each sparkling with good performance. The arrangements chosen were creative and gave a twist on holiday favorites and a well-rounded program. Ballet, Tap, jazz, hip hop; I was impressed by the diversity of the company. Each dancer was confident, well poised, strong, in sync and worthy of the exceptional costuming, put together by Sarah herself, that brought everything together. By the end of the show I felt honored to be blessed with opportunity to be a part of something so sensational. The Ice Kingdom is a place I’d like to visit again.

By PIERRE KENYON, The Pueblo Chieftain

The strains of "Joy to the World" in a stirring fanfare opened the third concert of the season of the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jacob Chi.

There were four guest artists: two choral groups and two wonderful singers before a nearly full house at Hoag Hall on the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus.

By JOANNE DODDS, The Pueblo Chieftain

The best plays are often hard to describe. "Winter Wonderettes" falls into that category.

Director/choreographer Jason Laughrey wrote in his note to the audience that the Steel City Theatre Company wanted to present a show "with something for everyone" and a Christmas production that would be "fun and heartwarming without being overly cheesy."

Those vague words don't give you much of a clue as to what the play is all about. Describing the plot would put you to sleep. So, why go and see the play?

First of all, I heard more good-natured laughter during the performance than I can ever remember, and who wouldn't enjoy a good laugh during this intense, emotional season.

Secondly, Rosina Sonntag, Michaela Shutts, Bethany Nafziger and Danae Nafziger were exceptional. Each woman has a lovely voice and fine dancing skills, and they are skilled actresses.