When the Voetberg Family returns to the stage at Centralia College next week for their annual Christmas concert series, those who don’t already have a ticket will be out of luck.
The four shows at the college, set to run from Thursday, Dec. 21, to Saturday, Dec. 23, are sold out.
What started as a “way to bring the community together and share some hope,” according to Vance Voetberg, 24, has grown to a popular family tradition for many in Lewis County.
Heavy on fiddle and stringed instruments, the band consists of eight siblings who range in age from 15 to 26. With Irish, Scottish and American influences. Voetberg described the family’s musical style as “fun, very upbeat, and lively.”
The Christmas Show consists of popular Christmas tunes that include “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
“Our style is more freestyle,” Voetberg said.
Since the first show in 2013, the tradition has also raised money for community causes, including the Fox Theater restoration project.
This year, proceeds from the concerts will be partially donated to the Peter Corwin Memorial Scholarship and the Centralia College Foundation.
While the family didn’t have a fundraising goal, Voetberg said the hope was to bring attention to the causes through the shows.
“That’s what we’re hoping to bring awareness of,” Voetberg said.
The Corbet Theatre is located at 600 Centralia College Blvd. in Centralia.
Doors for the shows will open one hour before the start time.
About the Peter Corwin Memorial Scholarship
“The Peter Corwin Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by his wife and children to honor Peter’s time as a music teacher at Centralia Middle School, his passion for music, and the musical legacy continued by his children and grandchildren. Peter was passionate about music and encouraged all six of his children to learn and absorb as much music as possible, ranging from vocal, piano, drums and horns. He appreciated all types of music. He became very involved in the community taking on leadership roles, and always encouraged his children to get involved in school and the community. Peter served as a member of the Centralia College Foundation and was passionate about helping all who wanted and education to get one. His scholarship supports a student in the music program, arts or involved in a leadership role.” — The Voetberg Family
About the Centralia College Foundation
The Centralia College Foundation serves to support the college and its students with funding for scholarships, also raising funds for campus program needs, and financial assistance for building and capital projects. This year, the foundation awarded 394 students scholarships valued at $523,900 and offered full scholarships to 28 valedictorians and salutatorians in our area. Scholarships can be set up by anyone to honor a family member, alumni or program at the college. The donor can work with the foundation staff and choose the criteria for their scholarship. Anyone can donate to an existing scholarship to increase the value. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships with one single application, in most cases. The application is online and available on March 1 through April 15. Scholarships are awarded by the end of the academic year and students receive the funding in their account for the fall quarter. Scholarships are split into three payments, so students get funding all three quarters of the year. Tuition for an associate degree is approximately $4,500 each year.
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This article has been updated to correct errors in the initial report and include additional information.
