BANGOR – The Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Music Director and Conductor Xiao-Lu Li will welcome the Year of the Monkey with a Chinese New Year celebration at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the Bangor Civic Center.

The Bangor Civic Center will be adorned with bamboo arrangements and Chinese decorations as revelers settle in for an evening that will offer a variety of live entertainment.

Area restaurants will provide authentic Chinese New Year hors d’oeuvres for the occasion. Special guests from China Center for International Trade will attend to learn about Bangor and visit with local business leaders.

Members of the Robinson Ballet will perform a Chinese Dragon Dance. Bangor High School students, who are studying the Chinese language, will present a dramatic performance, “Tale of the Monkey King,” a traditional Chinese folk tale. The evening will end with a dance, featuring the Brian Nadeau Swing Band. Door prizes and a cash bar will be available.

Tickets are $35 and may be reserved by calling the Bangor Symphony Orchestra box office at 942-5555 or (800) 639-3221. More information is available at bangorsymphony.com.