UO's MNCH to 'make some noise' in celebration of winter

2014 Winter Solstice to feature music and family fun at Museum of Natural and Cultural History and Many Nations Longhouse

Cullen VanceEUGENE, Ore. — (Dec. 8, 2014) — "Let’s Make Some Noise" is the theme for the Museum of Natural and Cultural History’s 2014 Winter Solstice celebration planned for Friday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m.  

The event will be held at the museum, 1680 E. 15th Ave., and at the adjacent Many Nations Longhouse. The celebration — hosted in partnership with the Longhouse, FOOD for Lane County, and Eugene Weekly — will feature live music and dance performances reflecting a variety of cultural traditions from West Africa to South America to the American South.

"This is our 13th annual Winter Solstice celebration," said Ann Craig, the museum’s public programs director. "It has become our largest event of the year, attracting hundreds of people of all ages to ring in the winter season."

This year's lineup includes Celtic blues and storytelling by Cullen Vance at 5:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Guinean music and dance by the West African Cultural Arts Institute at 5:45 and 7 p.m., both at the Many Nations Longhouse.

Alex LlumiquingaAdditional performances, including "swamp rock" by Acoustic Etouffee, and traditional Andean music demonstrations by Alex Llumiquinga will take place throughout the evening at the museum.

Face painting, craft making and other family friendly activities also are planned. Food will be available for purchase from the local gourmet sandwich truck Sammitch. New museum memberships will be offered at half-price during the event.   

The Winter Solstice celebration is a secular, multicultural event that welcomes all members of the community. General admission is $5. Admission is free with a nonperishable food donation (per person) to FOOD for Lane County.

"For families and individuals in need, the holiday season often brings extra challenges, which makes building our food supply even more important," said Brad Bassi, FOOD for Lane County's food resource developer. "Together, groups holding food drives like this one can help meet the demand and take care of our hungry neighbors."

Media Contact: Kristin Strommer, Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 541-346-5083, kstromme@uoregon.edu