Ruth and Max Bloomquist will present holiday favorites at the Howmet Playhouse on Sunday, Dec. 16.

Playing a blend of your favorite Ruth and Max tunes and traditional folk Christmas music, this evening is sure to lift your holiday spirits. Joining Ruth, Max and fiddle-player Dan Seabolt are their friends from Skirl, a Celtic trio from Grand Rapids.

Ruth, Max and Dan are veritable folk music legends in Michigan, captivating audiences with their songs, harmonies and folk-infused charm. The Celtic trio Skirl, who will add winter holiday seasonal music, seasoned with Celtic flavoring, to the performance, ensuring it to be a perfect evening to help you get in the holiday mood.

“Skirl” is an archaic word used to describe the sound of bagpipes down the brae. Skirl, the band, is a Celtic music project woven together by three songwriting musicians: Karisa Wilson (fiddle, voice), Susan Leigh Picking (voice, keys, bodhran) and J Oscar Bittinger (guitar, vocal).

A portion of the proceeds from A Ruth & Max Christmas will benefit the White Lake Giving Tree, an outreach program in the Whitehall and Montague area that provides food, gifts and other assistance to families and residents in need. Providing support since 1981, the White Lake Giving Tree assisted 373 families in 2011 and has used the time and talents of hundreds of volunteers. For more information or to volunteer, contact St. James Catholic Church in Montague.

“This is going to be a lovely evening of music to share with friends and family,” said Katie Trzaska, managing director of the Playhouse. “Ruth, Max and Dan are Playhouse favorites, and we are excited to welcome the fine musicians of Skirl, to the stage to add a Celtic twist to our celebration.”