Diverse family fun abounds at the Island’s center for art, comedy and music

The holidays are just around the corner and Rhythmix Cultural Works, located on Blanding Avenue, has a roster of fun seasonal events for everyone to enjoy. From music, to comedy, to flamenco, to bubbles!

Accordions may seem unusual for holiday music, but on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m., Rhythmix will feature The Accordion Babes for a night of diverse holiday cheer. Travel from French border towns to Tex-Mex cafes to Cajun and rock dance halls with the accordion talents of Tara Linda, Jet Black Pearl, Skylar Fell and Renee de la Prade. Four acts will showcase how the accordion has evolved, deftly demonstrated by these talented ladies.

For a Spanish-influenced cultural experience, check out Fiesta Flamenca. On Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., head over to Rhythmix to experience a celebration of paella, Spanish Christmas carols (called ‘villancicos’), along with festive holiday flamenco dancing. The show features the award-winning ensemble Caminos Flamencos and includes special guest performers direct from Spain. Enjoy the stylings of dancer Reyes Barrios and singer El Grillo, Mizuho Sato, award-winning dancer Yaelisa, and guitarist Jason McGuire (“El Rubio”). Catch the Spanish spirit of the holidays!

Looking for something the kids will love? Check out The Amazing Bubble Show, performed by Louis Pearl, a.k.a. The Amazing Bubble Man. Pearl blends humor and art, with plenty of audience participation. Pearl has been performing all over the world for almost 30 years and has perfected a show that captivates audiences of all ages. Pearl creates everything from square bubbles to bubble volcanos, generating excitement and amazement with every magical moment. Choose the 11 a.m. or the 1 p.m. performance on Dec.11, or come for the first show and stay for the second. Pearl’s performance will be accompanied by “Accordion Babe” Jet Black Pearl. (If you missed The Accordion Babes, here’s another chance to get a taste of her accordion virtuosity.)

Are you someone who enjoys relaxing with some shopping at the holidays? Rhythmix is featuring Mini Masterpieces through Jan. 4. Located in the K gallery, this art exhibit features a wide range of smaller pieces created by local artists using a wide range of materials. If you’re looking for unique gifts this holiday season, the gallery offers affordable prices on one-of-a-kind treasures. Check out the gallery’s open house during Alameda’s Second Fridays Art Walk (Dec. 9) from 6 to 9 p.m. (or make an appointment).

Rhythmix rounds out the season with a high-energy New Year’s Eve Soul Party featuring the soul and blues vocal stylings of Oakland native Terrie Odabi, backed by Kirk Crumple on bass, Terry Hiatt on guitar, Simon Russell on the piano and Derrick Martin on drums. Odabi does everything from opening for Average White Band and Lenny Williams, to performing at the Concord Pavilion and the Fillmore Jazz Festival. Odabi’s amazing and perfectly toned vocals match her creative spirit and captivating stage presence. You can head out to enjoy a bluesey transition into the New Year on Dec. 31 at either 7 or 10 p.m.

Send 2016 off with a kiss goodbye and side-splitting comedy on Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. Will Durst leads this comedic night accompanied by Johnny Steele, Debi Durst, Michael Bossier, Mari Magaloni and Arthur Gaus. Reflect back on the year and live the memories again through sketches, stand-up and improv centered around the major news stories of 2016. The show is described as “Saturday Night Live meets The Daily Show. On steroids” making it the ultimate way to start the New Year.

This season, make it a new holiday tradition to visit Rhythmix and enjoy fun and festive events the whole family will love. Check out rhythmix.org to book tickets and find out more. Rhythmix Cultural Works, is located at 2513 Blanding Ave. Call 865-5060 or visit www.rhythmix.org for more information.