Celebrating With Ethnic Traditions : Many youngsters will learn about their roots at the special events where the season is celebrated according to different customs.

If his daughter Nichole hadn’t had the chance to sing in a safe, ethnic setting in front of an extended family and friends, Chatsworth resident Harvey Williams is sure that she never would have become a professional singer.

Nichole and two childhood friends who gained experience in the Jack and Jill Club, which is specifically for families interested in African American history, now tour the country in a group called Nik Tash Ta. The club, she said, “helps develop more confidence and gives young people more opportunities to perform.”

Williams said all three women in Nik Tash Ta, which has recorded a hip-hop number, “Hangin’ Out,” were in the club since they were 3 or 4 years old. “I’m sure that their understanding of their own cultural heritage really helped them,” he said. “And so did the encouragement from the club.”

The club, like other ethnic groups across the San Fernando Valley that are planning their holiday or end-of-year celebrations, is working on a songfest for its young members to perform at the Valley’s annual Kwanza celebration Dec. 11.

In the holiday season, most ethnic groups focus on tapping into the talents of the younger generation. This is the time for talent shows, family sing-alongs, and traditional costumes and dances in celebrations that try to entwine ancient ways with the commercial Christmas.

This year, Dolores Jones, president of the Jack and Jill Club, has a 17-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter in the show, to be performed at 3 p.m. at Sutter Junior High School, 7330 Winnetka Ave., Canoga Park.

Among other celebrations, Korean singing, games, costumes and dance, all done by the children, are planned for a daylong party Dec. 18 at Portola Middle School, 19720 Linnet St., Tarzana, starting at 11 a.m. An even bigger celebration at the school will mark the Asian community’s New Year’s Day, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m., with Korean musician Don Kim.

In-Sook Cho, principal of the Korean School, which is held weekends at the school, said: “We still try to show that our traditional celebrations are as important, if not more important, than any other holiday they may have to celebrate.” About 200 families participate, she says.

Groups involved with keeping up the traditions of China, Japan, Africa, Armenia, Cambodia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Greece, Israel, Ireland, Nicaragua, the former Soviet Union, El Salvador, Thailand and Vietnam are also planning some sort of holiday activity in the Los Angeles area.

The easiest way to find out about these holiday activities is through ethnic clubs, Chambers of Commerce, local schools and churches, or local embassies or consulates of the countries.