Earlville Opera House Arts Center is located at 18 East Main Street in Village of Earlville. Matt Nakoa will set the holiday season on Friday, November 22, 7 p.m.,with a kick-off performance. (Submitted photo)

EARLVILLE – Sherburne musician Matt Nakoa takes the stage at the Earlville Opera House to kick off the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m., just in time for Thanksgiving.

Touting his most recent CD, Antique Pieces, this hometown prodigy is an award-winning, internationally known touring singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. A modern troubadour, Matt makes his home on the highways and concert stages of America and appears regularly with folk music icon Tom Rush. The Boston Globe says of Nakoa, “Between his piano chops and heartfelt originals on guitar, he drops jaws.”

This is a performance you won’t want to miss. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $27 for members, and $10 for students (17 and younger). Premium pricing applies to select rows. Tickets can be purchased online at earlvilleoperahouse.showare.com. For more information about Matt, visit his website at www.mattnakoa.com.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m., the 27th annual Holiday Artisan Gift Shop opens, featuring the best-selling artists of past years alongside exciting new work from first-time participants. The Holiday Shop showcases a well-rounded balance of regional artwork, including photography, hand-woven items, glass, metal, wood, quilts, candles, soaps, ornaments, jewelry, sculptures, and much more. Shop in this special seasonal tradition, which has become a favorite holiday destination in a lovely Victorian setting. Browse the first floor of our 19th-century building while viewing a wonderland of handmade treasures sure to entice and astound you—all priced to sell! Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. The shop will remain open through Dec. 21 for your last-minute gifting needs. Shop local and support the arts.

Also on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 1 to 3 p.m., hop on the “Holiday Artwork and Gifts Trail” along Route 12B, visiting Heartwood Frames, Black Cat Antiques, Earlville Opera House, Off the Top Hair Studio & Boutique, Jewett’s Cheese House, and Evergreen Gallery. Shop locally for handmade gifts from the region’s best artists, browse antiques, and explore gifts including cheese, local meats, honey, mustard, maple syrup, jams, jellies, and more during this festive afternoon. Enjoy a special free event at 1 p.m. with the Pathfinder Village bell ringers performing on our 1892 Historic Main Stage. Come and enjoy this nostalgic and heartwarming festivity in a small-town setting.

On Nov. 30, from 1 to 3 p.m., the EOH is offering a “Tree of Life” ornament-making class with Earlville artist Dana Shiflett, just in time for holiday giving. Earlville residents can attend for free, while all others pay $10. Supplies are included. Participants must be 18 or older due to knife work, and the class is limited to eight people. Call EOH to register. Special thanks to the Village of Earlville for supporting this arts education opportunity.

The 11th Annual Auction for the Arts runs from Dec. 6 to 13 as a virtual event. Bid on experiences, embellishments, essentials, edibles, and entertainment just in time for gifting—all priced to sell. Support our mission and local donors while shopping for family and friends at www.earlvilleoperahouse.com.

The EOH Holiday Open House takes place Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. Shop the wares of the region’s best artisans at the 27th annual Holiday Artisan Shop, bid on holiday raffle baskets and the “Silent Night” auction, purchase festive baked goods from the annual bake sale, and look out for Santa and Mrs. Claus! Earlville’s Winter Celebration Day will feature village-wide activities for all. Additionally, the Sherburne Music-Theater Society will present Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on the EOH stage. Admission is free.

Get ready for holiday cheer on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., when nine-time All-Ireland fiddle champion and Grammy-awarded, Emmy-nominated Eileen Ivers takes the 1892 Main Stage with her "Joyful Christmas" performance. Tickets are $40, $36 for members, and $10 for students (17 and younger). Don’t miss this lively festive treat in Earlville.

On Friday, Dec. 20, EOH concludes its 52nd season with local favorites Fiddle-Sax Fusion and their holiday show at 7 p.m. in the Arts Café. Tickets are $15 and $12 for members.

The Earlville Opera House Arts Center is located at 18 East Main Street in the quaint village of Earlville, N.Y. At EOH, accessibility and inclusion are critical to everything we do. Our historic Opera House has been upgraded to ensure accessibility throughout the building, including a hearing loop system in our 1892 theater, provided by Hamilton Hearing LLC.

EOH events are made possible with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, administered by the New York State Council on the Arts, and through the generosity of EOH members.

-Information from the EOH