Serenata Colombiana

Davis’ Colombian community, including many people affiliated with UC Davis, presents a cultural showcase and raises money at the same time, during the Serenata Colombiana — scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11.

The 11th annual serenata is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the Davis High School theatre, 315 W. 14th St. This year’s program features these invited guests:

• Singer Inés Salazar from Colombia, performing music from the Magdalena Medio region (cumbia, bullerengue, tambora, gaita and porro).

• Frank French and Sarah Vanegas, proponents of “New World Piano Music,” presenting a repertoire of Colombian vernacular music. In addition, Vanegas intends to introduce one of her students, 8-year-old Clauja Marú Márquez, and together they will perform Cachipay.

The nonprofit UEPAGE Foundation, which sponsors the serenata, announced that this year’s fundraising beneficiary is the same as last year’s: the Women’s Microcredit Bank of Chocó. The bank assists female heads of household who have been forcibly displaced, according to Tina Castillo, co-founder and chief ececutive officer of the UEPAGE Foundation, and academic director of International English and Professional Programs at UC Davis Extension.

The coastal region of Chocó also plays a role in the serenata entertainment this year, as the origin of music and dance by the host groups Los Primos and Colombia Viva.

Serenata tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children, in advance at The Avid Reader, 617 Second St., Davis, and Watermelon Music, 207 E St., Davis. Ticket prices are $3 higher at the door.

Castillo said contributions are welcome even from people who are unable to attend the serenata. Donations should be addressed to the UEPAGE Foundation, 932 Craig Place, Davis 95616.

More information is available online, or by e-mailing uep@uepage.org.

At the Mondavi Center

• Campus Community Book Project: Author's Talk — Beverly Daniel Tatum: Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race. Postperformance question-and-answer session. 8 p.m. today (Dec. 10), Jackson Hall. Related event: free Forum@MC, panel discussion, 4 p.m. today (Dec. 10), Jackson Hall. More information.

• Lara Downes Family Concert: Neverland to Wonderland — Drawing on the classic tales Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland, Artist-in-Residence Downes, a pianist, celebrates childhood mystery and enchantment, including music by Leonard Bernstein, Erich Korngold, Benny Golson and David Del Tredici. The program includes a multimedia element created and directed by Mindy Cooper, with performers from the new Mondavi Center Young Artists Theatre Workshop. 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre.

• Messiah — The Mondavi Center continues its holiday tradition of bringing in the American Bach Soloists to perform the Bach masterpiece. UC Davis Choral Director Jeffrey Thomas leads this early music ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, Jackson Hall.

The Dec. 10 Forum@MC is free; all other programs are ticketed events. Tickets and more information. Or call (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787.