One of the top five bluegrass bands in the country will present a Christmas concert on Friday at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in Albert Lea.

Monroe Crossing, named in honor of Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass music, is based in the Twin Cities but has entertained audiences across the country, Canada and Europe, including twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City and twice at the annual World of Bluegrass convention.

The five-member group will showcase a blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and heartfelt originals in a concert titled “Bluegrass Christmas.”

Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 after 12:30 p.m. the day of the show.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at 147 N. Broadway.

The following is a roundup of other events happening this weekend in the area:

 

Friday

The Freeborn County Arts Initiative’s all-member art show will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 224 S. Broadway.

The Albert Lea Art Center’s “Christmas on Clark Street” exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 226 W. Clark St.

The Albert Lea Art Center’s Festival of Trees will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. at Northbridge Mall.

• The first annual Artistry Fair will be from 4 to 9 p.m. at The Meraki Studios, 115 N. Newton Ave. Local artists will showcase their work during the fair, and people are invited to pick up treasures for themselves or others.

Donations are being accepted to the local food shelf for admission.

In addition to the artists, there will be chair massages by Allure Salon & Spa with a donation to the Freeborn County Humane Society.

There will also be live music by Donavon Skinner.

• The 22nd annual Drive-Thru Live Nativity will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at New Life Christian Church, 1705 S.E. Marshall St. Admission is free.

 

Saturday

• Hayward Lutheran WELCA will host a holiday bake sale and raffle from 8 to 11 a.m. at 200 Main St., Hayward. Rolls, juice and coffee will be served. Bake sale items include lefse, cookies, candy, breads and pies. Raffle items include a quilt chest, two quilts and a lap robe. The drawing will be at 11 a.m., and tickets are available at the door.

• Albert Lea area’s 20th annual Model Railroad Show and Swap meet will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Northbridge Mall.

• Ruby’s Pantry will be from 10 a.m. to noon at Assembly of God church in Albert Lea.

The Albert Lea Art Center’s “Christmas on Clark Street” exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 226 W. Clark St.

• A Christmas gathering will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Freeborn County Historical Museum.

• The Artistry Fair will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Meraki Studios, 115 N. Newton Ave.

The Freeborn County Arts Initiative’s all-member art show will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. at 224 S. Broadway.

The Albert Lea Art Center’s Festival of Trees will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. at Northbridge Mall.

• The Drive-Thru Live Nativity will continue from 7 to 9 p.m. at New Life Christian Church, 1705 S.E. Marshall St.

• A Holiday Service of Remembrance for people who have lost a loved one will be at 7 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral Service, 2210 E. Main St. Fellowship and refreshments will follow the service.

 

Sunday

• Alden American Legion Post 404 will host a breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon. Menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage links, milk, juice and coffee. Cost is $5 for adults and free for children ages 6 and under. Santa is slated to make a visit at 10 a.m.

• Albert Lea area’s 20th annual Model Railroad Show and Swap Meet will continue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Northbridge Mall.

• The Set Memories Aglow tree lighting ceremony will be at 5 p.m. at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

• Billy McLaughlin and Simple Gifts will perform with the Albert Lea High School chorale at 6:30 p.m. at Southwest Middle School. Look for a full story on this concert in Friday’s Tribune.