HOLIDAY REVUE [brackets indicate altered/additional wording] The Freight's favorite musician for all seasons, LAURIE LEWIS, hosts our exuberant family holiday celebration, setting alight the longest night of the year with great music and food, an exchange of gifts, and a visit by the spirits of the season -- not to mention some of the Bay Area's hottest performers donating their services in support of the Freight. A key figure in bluegrass, traditional, and folk music circles, Laurie's songwriting, fiddling, and crystal-clear singing have brought her national recognition, a Grammy, and two International Bluegrass Music Association Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. Her Grammy-nominated duet partner, mandolinist/singer, TOM ROZUM, will join Laurie on stage for some of the pair's signature red-hot playing and beautiful vocals.

Pioneering fiddle maestro DAROL ANGER brings wild invention, open-heartedness, and an irresistible sense of fun, in collaboration with flat-pick guitar master SCOTT NYGAARD and fiery fiddle prodigy, BRITTANY HAAS. Redefining the boundaries of the American string band, Darol and his cohorts perform original compositions spiced with traditional music from around the globe.

Based at the Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center in San Pablo, acclaimed ensemble LOS CENZONTLES presents a celebration of the endless variety and imagination of Mexico's rich musical traditions. Led by the center's founder, Eugenio Rodriquez, the group will range from the tropical sones jarochos of Veracruz to the lilting pirecuas of indigenous Michoacan, to heart-wrenching rancheras from the Mexican countryside. (A group of young musicians from the same arts center stars in the video Pasajero: A Journey of Time and Memory, which is currently airing on PBS affiliate stations.)

Teen a capella ensemble, 'TIL DAWN belongs to the Youth in Arts organization, aimed at enriching children's lives through the arts, but even more importantly: they rock! With a positive, inspirational repertoire that includes popular music from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Annie Lennox, as well as original numbers, 'Til Dawn's energetic performances break down the boundaries between, rock, pop, jazz and soul.

Tonight, the Freight is also honored to present international holiday favorite SANTA CLAUS as he graces our stage in a dazzling near-debut performance brimming with laughter and good cheer. Celebrated in song and story for his twinkling eyes, rosy cheeks, and general joviality, Santa takes a break from his busy pre-Christmas schedule to oversee the distribution of gifts to young and old from under the Freight Christmas tree, with the assistance of one of his most comical elves. Need we say more? Come on down!