Marlin Handbell Ringers present holiday concerts

LEAVENWORTH - The Leavenworth Marlin Handbell Ringers will perform three festive concerts across North Central Washington this holiday season. 

Directed by Joyce Phipps, the group combines the charm of English handbells with beloved Christmas melodies.

"It's a unique experience if they haven't experienced the English handbells that we're actually fortunate in this area to be able to have, and if they have experienced the handbells, then they don't really need to be told why it's just a magical experience and when it's combined with the Christmas music, it just really is special," Phipps said.

Featuring 11 ringers and 108 English handbells, the concerts will showcase a mix of traditional favorites like the "Ukrainian Bell Carol," "Silent Night," "Up on the Housetop," and "I Saw Three Ships," alongside modern hits such as Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Wizards in Winter."

The first concert is at George Community Hall in George on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door and free for ages 12 and under.

The handbell ringers will perform a benefit concert at Grace City Church in Wenatchee at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. The concert will raise funds for a charity chosen by the church. Grace City Church will match the proceeds from the concert. This marks the third season the groups collaborated to support local charities. 

Tickets for the Dec. 10 performance are available by donation at brushfire.com/gracecitychurch.

On Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m., the Marlin Handbell Ringers and special guest musicians will perform at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, Snowy Owl Theater. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at marlinhandbellringers.com.

The Marlin Handbell Ringers is a non-profit community music group that has captivated Leavenworth audiences for over 40 years. The group formed in 1979 to help promote the "Bavarian Village."

The group is named after a local candy maker, Archie Marlin, who made and sold caramel apples to pay for the group's first set of bells.

The handbell ringers regularly perform in December and May in various locations around North Central Washington. 

"It's all local volunteer members, and we do this as a gift to the community because of our love of music," Phipps said.

For more information visit marlinhandbellringers.com.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.