By SANDRA ANNONIO / Community Columnist

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy an afternoon of songs and stories.

On Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m., the Shelby County Arts Council will host Jingle All the Way: Stories and Songs of the Season.

Award-winning storyteller Dolores Hydock and musical master Bobby Horton will blend happy holiday stories, favorite Christmas songs and jolly sing-alongs into a sparkling mix.

Performing throughout the Southeast, Hydock’s use of language transports her listeners from their seat straight into the time and place of the story.

She entertains her audiences with captivating tales full of humor, imagery and emotion.

A regular at the National Story Teller Convention, one reviewer describes her in this way: “Dolores Hydock talks with her hands. And her elbows. And her shoulders. When she speaks, she is literally irrepressible.”

The second member of this dynamic duo, Horton, makes up one third of the musical group Three on A String.

Most know him well in this role, yet Horton is also an accomplished music historian, composer and producer.

He has collaborated on more than a dozen PBS Documentaries, including the Civil War and Baseball, as well as scoring the music for two A&E movies and 16 films for the National Parks Service.

Having these two talented entertainers on one stage is a gift to the audience.

Order your tickets online at Shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call 669-0044 to reserve your seat. Ticket price: $25. (104 Mildred Street, Columbiana, AL, 35051)

Other upcoming events:

•Dec. 5: 9-3 p.m. Seventh Annual Artist Market, free admission.

•Dec. 12: Three on a String, 7:30 p.m., $25.