Helena-area arts and entertainment news

Cuban-Canadian musician Alex Cuba brings a unique blend of Latin soul and feel-good pop to The Myrna Loy 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Traveling solo for this tour, Cuba says audiences can expect there to be a little something for everyone.

Cuba has garnered two Juno Awards, four Grammy nominations and one win, and numerous Latin Grammy Awards.

Cuba was born Alexis Puentes in Artemisa, Cuba, but has called Canada home for more than 20 years. His songwriting is a blend of both.

Tickets are $30. Call or visit The Myrna Loy box office at 406-443-0287, 15 N. Ewing St. or online at themyrnaloy.com. 

The Helena New Horizons Concert Band presents its Fall Concert at 3 p.m. Nov. 24, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

The theme for the concert is “American Composers,” with selections of music such as “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Copeland, “Great Waldo Pepper March” by Mancini, “Globe and Eagle” by Sousa, a tribute to Louis Armstrong, and a medley of well known pieces by Gershwin.

In addition, the band will play a couple of seasonal selections. Conductors for the band are Tom Mazanec, Jim Perkins, Jerry Sept and Larry Irwin. The concert is free, although donations at the door are appreciated.

The Helena Xpress Singers are looking for young people to participate in their Children’s Christmas Chorus this holiday season.

Children of all ages are invited to attend three rehearsals, 5-5:45 p.m. Nov. 25, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, at First Presbyterian Church, 535 Ewing St., upstairs in Richardson Hall. Children age 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The Children’s Christmas Chorus will perform two songs on the Xpress Singers’ Christmas Concert on 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at St. Paul’s Methodist Church.

For more information, contact: ChildrensChorusDirector@HelenaXpressSingers.org

The Helena Symphony returns to the Helena Civic Center with the season 70 fully staged opera “Hansel and Gretel.”

It will be 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Helena Civic Center, 340 Neill Ave.

Brothers Grimm’s whimsical masterpiece from 1812 comes to life in this production featuring the coming-of-age story of Hansel and Gretel and their journey through the forest, battle with the mysterious witch, a dream ballet, and learning about greed, trust and overcoming fears. This family-friendly opera performed in English is perfect for all ages.

Tickets range from $22-$55 and are available online at helenasymphony.org or by calling the Symphony office at 406-442-1860.

The Bray Holiday Show through Dec. 23 at the Bray Gallery and Visitor Center, 2915 Country Club Ave.

Shop artwork from current and former resident artists to find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for anyone on your list.

Shop local — consider these unique gift ideas; a handmade mug for hot morning drinks, a comforting soup bowl, a distinctive pitcher for the table, jewelry, a stunning sculpture, a stand-out vase, pleasant cocktail cups, uncommon ornaments and find more in-person at the gallery.

The Holter Museum of Art is having its midyear fundraising event, The Art of Travel, taking place 6-8 p.m. Nov. 15, with a happy hour and time to bid on silent auction items beginning at 5 p.m.

Join Holter, Live Longitude Travel and Viking Cruises to talk luxury river cruising, sample a wine flight that corresponds with different rivers in Europe, bid on beautiful art, and possibly walk away the winner of a Viking eight-day luxury European river cruise for two.

The silent auction closes 7:45 p.m. Nov. 15. It includes 35-plus art items all with a bidding start under $400 plus several items related to travel, experiences and wine. Bidding is only available at the Holter. To preview all of the silent auction items, visit https://holtermuseum.org/silent-auction/.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.holtermuseum.org or contact the Holter at 406-442-6400.

The magic of the holiday season comes to life as Queen City Ballet Company presents its 23rd annual traditional production of the timeless classic, “The Nutcracker” at the Helena Civic Center Nov. 23-24th.

Featuring a talented cast of QCBC dancers, students, alumni and renowned guest artists, this year’s production promises a magical experience. 

Tickets are available online at HelenaCivicCenter.com, by phone at 406-447-8481, or in person at the Helena Civic Center Box Office. Prices range from $18 to $50, with special discounts available for students and seniors in the economy section. VIP tables are also available for groups.

“Alice in Wonderland Jr.” will be performed by the students of Grandstreet Theatre School Dec. 5-15 at Grandstreet Theatre, 325 N. Park Ave.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Shows Saturday are 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

People can choose their own price on Wednesdays. Tickets other days are $15.

Fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-discovery.

The shows features Disney songs such as “The Golden Afternoon,” “The Unbirthday Song” and “Painting the Roses Red,” along with new songs including music from the 2010 live-action film.

Helena’s 11^th annual Last Chance New Play Fest, the longest running festival of its kind in Montana, will run Nov 7-17, and features new projects by Montana writers.

Montana Short Cuts, a program of 10-minute plays, returns to the Fest with the theme “Future Present Tense.”

This event is at the Helena Avenue Theatre (HAT) at 1319 Helena Ave.

Tickets for individual performances are $18 (adult) or $15 (student/senior) and are available at the door or online. $30 Fest passes, which admit holders to any performance throughout the Fest, are also available. Tickets can be purchased online at https://buytickets.at/lcnpf. Evening performances are at 7 p.m., weekend matinees vary, depending on the day. Check the website for exact times.