Join us for a festive global celebration of the holidays. Violinist Carlos Chacon provides the evening’s musical entertainment. Club member Araceli Garza-Perez leads a piñata decorating contest – the top winners receive a prize, and everyone gets a personal piñata to bring home. All the merriment takes place in the historic Curtis Hall with its beautiful views of the lakefront. Come spread the cheer with our Columbia Alumni community. Friends and family are welcome.

The Holiday Party Agenda

6:30-7:10PM: Social time with food and background music.

7:10-7:15PM: Welcome and announcements.

7:15-8:00PM: Piñata decoration contest. Prizes given to top winners.

8:00-8:20PM: Musical performance.

8:20-8:40PM: Sing-along and goodbyes.

Event Information

Date: Thursday, December 14, 2023

Location: Curtiss Hall, 10^th Floor Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Avenue

Time: 6:30PM-8:40PM

Cost: $35.00 per ticket for members. $45.00 per ticket for non-members.

Event Registration Is Closed.

Additional Information

Carlos Chacon: Carlos Chacon, a violinist hailing from Venezuela, began his journey with the violin at the tender age of 7 in the El Sistema program. Some years later he entered the Simon Bolivar Music Conservatory in Caracas, where he embarked on a specialized academic study of music. At a mere 15 years old, Carlos took a great step in his career by joining the Caracas Symphony Orchestra. In 2018, he became part of the violin section of the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. With this orchestra, they graced international stages bringing their music to diverse audiences. Carlos regularly played with illustrious ensembles such as the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and participated in festivals such as Rimini Altschuler Institute in Italy and Chautauqua Institute in the state of New York. In this current chapter of his journey, Carlos continues to refine his craft under the guidance of Almita Vamos and Minghuan Xu at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, affiliated with Roosevelt University.

Piñata Decoration Contest: All registrants receive a personal piñata whether they participate in the decoration contest or not. Once you register, you’ll receive an email with a fuller description of the decoration contest and a brief history of why piñatas are a key element in Posadas, an annual Mexican tradition that runs from December 16 to 24.  

Parking and Public Transportation: Once you register, we will send you details about parking in the area and traveling the Fine Arts Building via Public Transportation.

A Brief History of the Fine Arts Building: https://www.fineartsbuilding.com/history/