Orchestra to give benefit performance

In the spirit of the season, two concert musicians are contributing their talents for a holiday recital that will include Beethoven, Brahms, Popper and a few encore favorites.

Pianist Jack Winerock, at left in photo, Kansas University music professor, and cellist Steven Elisha, artistic director of the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra, will collaborate for “‘Twas the Night Before the Night Before,” a benefit performance for the orchestra, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children.

Faith

Nativity festival concludes Friday

Centenary United Methodist Church will conclude its annual Festival of the Nativities after Friday’s Christmas Eve service at the church, 245 N. Fourth St.

The festival, featuring an extensive collection of 300 Nativity sets, will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted.

Sports

KU basketball team to play in Kemper

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team hasn’t lost a regular season game in Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo., since 1983, and Wisconsin-Milwaukee will be hard-pressed to blunt the Jayhawks’ winning streak after their own 66-37 defeat last week at Wisconsin. Tipoff will be 7:05 p.m.

The game will air on Sunflower Broadband Channels 13 and 38.

Holidays

Church to play host to community dinner

Those who are seeking a hearty, festive meal and good Christmas fellowship are invited to attend the annual Community Holiday Dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church, 946 Vt.

The event will feature a complete holiday dinner with all the trimmings, plus many homemade desserts and live music.

Meal deliveries may be arranged by calling 841-1516 after 6 a.m. the day of the event.

The holiday dinner is free of charge and open to all.