For what will be the tenth year and counting, Ananda Arthouse of Forget will be welcoming back the Kelly Family to perform a special holiday concert.
The Kelly Family, long time friends of Ananda Arthouse brainchildren Don and Shannon Shakotko, have become a regional staple in the Christmas season, and will be presenting two shows on Saturday, Dec. 18.
Scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. the shows are expected to each run as two 45 minute sets with a short intermission between.
"We have been friends with the Kelly's for a very long time," said Shannon of the family of performers. "We met them back when we were living out in Maryfield."
"Their band changes from time to time, according to who is in town and who is available," Shannon continued. "Usually there is Delta, the mother, along with the three sons Anthony, Blake, and Brian."
"Sometimes the other two sons, Patrick and Craig, may play along, but they both live out-of-town, so they can't always make it," Shannon said. "And Anthony has four girls, the oldest one is turning 17, and they'll join in on some songs."
"The Kelly's have been dear friends and have been a part of our lives for a very long time," Shannon said of the Kelly's. "They're like family to us, and we find them very inspirational in that they prove that a family can still make music together in many different forms."
The Kelly's performance span many different genres, but in all cases embraces the positive aspects of the Christmas season.
"This will be our 10th anniversary of holding a Kelly Family Concert," Shannon said. "They are very special to Don and I, and I think their performances have become very special to a lot of other people too."
"We have people calling to book tickets for the Kelly show during the summer time, half-a-year before the show."
The Kelly Christmas show will be held at Ananda Arthouse in Forget.
Tickets for the show are $17.50 each, and reservations can be made at 457-3246.
