A solstice celebration

Musician and new Laguna resident David Arkenstone remembers his early youth in Chicago fondly, when his mom would lead him on outdoor adventures, exposing him to the wonderful things nature had offer.

“The memories of being outside are so intense, especially the snow,” he said. “These images have been the greatest inspiration for creating music.”

The now three-time Grammy nominee, known for his blend of Celtic-meets-new age/jazz/rock compositions, will illustrate his winter wonderland experiences on the sixth stop of his popular Winter Solstice tour at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Laguna Hills Theater.

Alongside violinist Dov, pianist and accordionist Seth Osburn, bassist Chad Watson, percussionist John Wakefield and Susan Craig Winsberg on flute and pennywhistle, he will perform his own compositions including “Snow Dance” and “Angels in the Snow” as well as unusual arrangements of holiday songs.

“We like to jazz up traditional Christmas songs like ‘We Three Kings’ and songs from ‘The Nutcracker,’ “ Arkenstone said. “We’ll deliver an interesting combination that people don’t often hear.”

Ten percent of ticket proceeds will benefit the Laguna Hills High School music program, as part of Arkenstone’s effort to give future generations the same musical opportunities he had as a child.

“Unfortunately, music programs these days are disappearing due to lack of funding, so I want to help keep them going,” he said. “Music is a powerful outlet for kids’ emotions and energy; I got so much from that, and I want to give back.”

Arkenstone said he likes to donate to music programs local to where he’s playing at the time, to make the experience even more special for his audience and himself.

Most often compared to Manheim Steamroller or the Chieftains, the world-renowned multi-instrumentalist released his 30th album, “Caribbean Nights” earlier this year under Green Hill records.

He has also composed music for several films and documentaries, the Olympics and “World of Warcraft” games. Always busy with recording, Arkenstone said he is thrilled to be on tour again, especially during the holiday season.

“This is such a great time of year, when everyone is so happy to come together,” he said. “What I really love about performing live is the ability to connect with the people who follow my music.

“My goal is to take my listeners on a mental journey, and give them something powerful to take with them,” he said.

Having traveled through Laguna Beach many times, Arkenstone said something about his last trip through town on South Coast Highway just captured him.

“I love sitting up in bed in the morning and looking out at the ocean,” he said. “It’s very inspiring.”

For more information about Arkenstone’s music, visit www.davidarkenstone.com.

If You Go

What: David Arkenstone’s “Winter Solstice” holiday music show

When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: Laguna Hills Theater, 25401 Paseo De Valencia (on the Laguna Hills High School campus)

Cost: $25 general admission, $18 seniors

Contact: For information or to buy tickets, call (800) 838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.