Neighborhood news: 'Nothin' Fancy' is all bluegrass

Kick up your heels when Va.-based, award-winning bluegrass band "Nothin' Fancy" will perform a special concert at Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

"Nothin' Fancy" formed in September of 1994 to compete in the East Coast Bluegrass Championship in Crimora. Since their debut, they have released eight full-length albums and a CD sin-gle.

Tickets are $20 and available online at www.bruu.org/bluegrass or by calling 703-878-1342.

Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 9350 Main St. in Manassas.

Hear the music at Union Church

Make it over to Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre where the PWC Historic Preservation Division will host two free holiday concerts starting at 5 and 6 p.m. on Dec. 12.

The Brentsville District High School Women's Treble Ensemble will perform at 5 p.m.

The 6 p.m. concert will feature the Brentsville District Mixed Vocal Ensemble.

Both concerts will take place in the historic (ca. 1870) Union Church.

The public will also have a chance to enjoy refreshments by a bonfire.

The Historic Centre is located at 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow. For more information, call 703-365-7895 or visit www.pwcgov.org/brentsville.

Nokesville's eighth annual Christmas tree lighting

Nokesville's 8th annual community tree lighting will be Dec. 12. Come at 4 p.m. to the corner of Fitzwater Drive and Nokesville Road (Va. 28) to enjoy the festivities.

While details are still being finalized, it is expected the event will highlight local soloist Sarah Hickerson. Performances will feature students from Nokesville Elementary School, the Marsteller Middle School Choir, the Brentsville District High School Jazz Band and Prince William Dance Academy.

Brentsville District Supervisor Wally Covington will light the community tree.

Santa Clause will arrive courtesy of the Nokesville Volunteer Fire Department and will visit in the fellow-ship hall of The Brethren Church, 13002 Fitzwater Drive, from 5:15 to 5:50 p.m., and then again after the live Nativity scene.

Santa asks children to bring a canned good or non-perishable food that he will deliver to local charities Benedictine Aid & Relief for Neighbors and Securing Emergency Resources Through Volunteer Efforts Inc.

After the program, enjoy chili, corn bread, hot dogs, desert and drinks.

Two white carriages -- a Cinderella carriage and a Victoria carriage -- will provide rides from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m., starting in the church parking lot.

Katherine Gotthardt reports your neighborhood news from the Nokesville, Bristow and Brentsville areas every Friday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Katherine at kgotthardt@comcast.net.