PASADENA - The Pasadena Convention Center has released its calendar of events for December, highlighted by three performances of "The Nutcracker" by the Long Beach Ballet Dec. 21-23.Loaded with special effects, it is the only Southern California "Nutcracker" production with a full symphony orchestra. Adding to the production is the South Coast Children's Chorale under the direction of Emily Dyer. Producers say it is the first time in 15 years that "The Nutcracker" will be performed in Southern California exactly as Tchaikovsky wrote it - with angelic young voices blending harmoniously with a full symphony orchestra. Tickets start at $21.60 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or by calling (800) 745-3000. The convention center will also host the first annual Pasadena Holiday Show Dec. 9-11, featuring 100 exhibit booths filled with high-end jewelry, brand name apparel, souvenirs, home decor, gourmet foods, electronics and more. Armenian singing sensation Ruben Matevosyan will perform a live concert at the convention center Dec. 4. Tickets start at $27 and are available through Ticketmaster.

********** Published: November 10, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 30