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Serenata Colombiana

����ԭ��’ Colombian community, including many people affiliated with UC ����ԭ��, 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 ����ԭ�� 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 , 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 ����ԭ�� 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., ����ԭ��, and Watermelon Music, 207 E St., ����ԭ��. 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, ����ԭ�� 95616.

More information is available , 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.

• 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 ����ԭ�� 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. Or call (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787.