Christmas Revels

Julia Ramey December 6, 2007 4:00AM

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The dictionary definition of “revel” is “to engage in lively and noisy festivities, especially those which involve drinking and dancing.” Well, except for the drinking part, this definition exactly captures what Christmas Revels achieves — which also is a lot more cultured than the Oxford American Dictionary would lead you to believe. This year’s installment represents early African-American culture by re-creating Jonkonnu, a 19th-century festival that was started by slaves. Other early American cultures are represented with the music and dances of Appalachia, down-home folk and gospel music. Story-teller Roxanne Solis-Price will join the musicians and singers onstage. 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through December 16. Moores Opera House, University of Houston, 4800 Cullen Boulevard. For information, call 713-669-9528 or visit www.revelshouston.org. $18 to $30.
Sat., Dec. 8, 2:30 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 9, 2:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 15, 2:30 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m., 2007