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Remembering Czech Christmas

Experience a Traditional Czech Christmas

Step into the festive world of Greathouse of Music's "Remembering Czech Christmas" and immerse yourself in an extraordinary celebration of traditional Czech Christmas festivities. Allow the harmonious blend of music and dance, set to the nostalgic backdrop of accordion accompaniment, to transport you to a Czech yuletide of yore.

A Journey Through Performances

Travel with us beyond the music and narratives to a vibrant cabaret show where it all takes life, reaching beyond intimate library settings and into the hearts of public gatherings and associations. Since 2017, Helena & Mark's authentic performances have not only delighted folks in Oregon's local libraries, such as Tigard, Canby, and more, but also captivated audiences at events like the Rose City Accordion Club and the Summerfield Civic Association.
Join us at Greathouse of Music and let every carol, every story, and every tradition become a cherished memory. Here, a traditional Czech Christmas isn't just observed; it's felt, remembered, and treasured.
Czech Christmas Songs Compilation

Program Description

This is a Christmas holiday program featuring traditional Czech Christmas music and dance with accordion accompaniment. During the program Helena and Mark present five traditional Czech Christmas songs within the five corresponding sections of the program. Helena explains several Czech Christmas traditions as she remembers them from her childhood and illustrates them by telling humorous stories as they occurred with her family. Some of these stories reveal surprising differences in the way Czechs celebrate Christmas in contrast to traditional American customs.
This program is interactive with the audience. Helena pauses after explaining each tradition and allows the audience to ask questions.  This can lead to discussions.
Helena & Mark Greathouse performed this program in the following public libraries in Oregon: 2017: Tigard, 2018: Canby, Cedar Mill, Aloha, Garden Home, Seaside; 2019: McMinnville, Garden Home, Happy Valley; 2022: Cornelius; and 2023: Hood River, Astoria.
There were also other performances at the Rose City Accordion Club (Portland) in Dec 2018 and Summerfield Civic Association (Tigard) in December 2023.

Performance Review

December 9, 2022 Helena and Mark delighted the audience with beautiful renditions of Czech seasonal songs and dances, charming stories, and vibrant costumes. Their performance deftly balanced music, humor, and old-world nostalgia for a performance that appealed to young and old alike. Their show is not to be missed! - David Freas, Publicity and Outreach Librarian, Cornelius Public Library
Mark and Helena Greathouse performed this program on December 9, 2017, in the Tigard (Oregon) Public Library. The program was very well attended (75 people in the audience). People were very enthusiastic so that after Helena and Mark finished their Czech program, the audience requested an encore for a Russian and a German song. 
These are some audience comments from the program evaluation forms. • Delightful! • With a grandfather whose family came from Bohemia this was very informative and meaningful. • Very entertaining learning about another culture. • Enjoyed the music and storytelling! • Loved it!! • Loved it – especially the fish story. • Very nice music.
December 29, 2018Everyone really enjoyed the presentation of A Czech Musical Christmas at the Seaside Public Library in December. It was part cabaret show, part history lesson, and that equaled a whole lot of enjoyment for our patrons. The accordion music by Mark was splendid as was the singing by Helena. The vintage costume that Helena wore was another highlight of the show. We look forward to having them back in the near future for another performance. - Jon Burke, Event Director, Seaside Public Library
Some Aloha Community Library audience comments following Dec 19, 2018, Christmas Program: • Fabulous, entertaining, and educational! • The program was great. Thank you.
McMinnville Library Testimonial about the December 8, 2019, performance of the show “Remembering a Czech Christmas” “Mark and Helena’s performance was entertaining and engaging. At our library, we strive to host programs that encourage our patrons to learn more about the world around them, and between the excellent musical performances and fascinating stories of Helena’s Czech childhood, our patrons were singing praises of their own. I would absolutely recommend any of Mark and Helena’s programs as both an educational multicultural program and an entertaining performance – the best of both worlds!”
- Courtney Terry, Reference Supervisor, McMinnville Public Library
Testimonial of performances "Remembering Czech Christmas" (December 20, 2018) and "You Do Speak English, Don't You?" (August 22, 2019):
Garden Home Community Library has hosted Mark & Helena twice. Both programs (You do speak English, Don't You?; A Czech Christmas) were enjoyed by young and old. Our attendees enjoyed the humor, entertainment, and relatability. The programs are appropriate for a multi-generational audience. The music and dancing are so charming. The Greathouse's are wonderful on stage and off. They are prompt, professional, and fun. I'd definitely have them back again for a repeat - or a new performance.
- Heather Waisanen, Adult Services Librarian