It's a common, joyous celebration in the Coastside's Spanish-speaking community, but everyone is welcome to a community Posada in Pescadero this weekend.
Traditionally, the Posada re-enacts the search of Mary and Joseph for an inn that will take them. Participants, led by children costumed as Mary and Joseph and shepherds, join a procession through a neighborhood from door to door. But they are turned away until they come to one house that will let them in - to a festive party.
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For children, there will be games and piñatas. Music will fill the room, from recorded music to Christmas carols and the singing of Posada songs. There will be a nativity set and traditional fruit punch. All participants are encouraged to bring along a dish to share in the potluck.
The event is free.
For more information, call Belinda Arriaga at Puente at 879-1691 ext. 242, or Rita Mancera at 879-1691, ext. 327. If you need help with transportation to the event, contact Veronica Ortega at 879-1691, ext. 243.
LET THE GOOD TIMES SCHWING
Mel Schwing of Half Moon Bay is the guy who brings Bethlehem to Half Moon Bay through the Live Nativity every year.
But that's not all he does.
Schwing also likes to observe the holidays by making music with the San Francisco Accordion Band. And that's what he'll be doing in concert with the band this Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Oyster Point Yacht Club in South San Francisco.
Dating from 1912, this club, he says proudly, is the world's first accordion club, dedicated to San Francisco's official musical instrument. It's made up of around 15 musicians, most on accordion but also filling out on guitar, bass, saxophone or by singing.
Their concert is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, at the yacht club at 911 Marina Blvd., South San Francisco.
They'll be playing "a little bit of everything," Schwing said. "Polkas, waltzes, you name it," along with a holiday song or two, from "Jingle Bell Rock" to "Auld Lang Syne." And there'll be buffet refreshments at intermission.
Schwing says that when it comes to accordion music, he likes the slower stuff, as opposed to the bouncy strains. Songs like "White Christmas" or "I'll be Home for Christmas" catch his fancy, he said.
The instrument itself caught his fancy about 35 years ago, having picked it up "because we had one sitting around the house."
"I would've played the piano," he said, "but you can't carry that around with you."
The yacht club can be reached at (650) 873-5166.
COASTSIDE ORCHESTRA CONCERT IS CANCELED
The planned Dec. 15 Coastside Community Orchestra concert has been canceled due to health issues for conductor Kay Raney.
Originally planned for November and then reset for December, this concert will not be rescheduled. But selections will be incorporated into future concerts, Raney said.
The next concert, set for Feb. 2, will feature Mozart and a concerto for bassoon written by Raney.
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