Shop locally. Celebrate vocally.
Follow the bouncing ball to the Newport Performing Arts Center for a lyric assisted sing-along with members of the Central Coast Chorale during Holly Jolly — A Festive Family Affair, this Friday, Dec. 2.
Enjoy free art-making activities like creating greeting cards, Sugar Plum Fairies and Mice Kings with candy cane tails. Holiday treats like cider will be provided. Music selections will be familiar holiday favorites made popular through film, television, radio and social media — primarily songs that have been part of the holiday season since the 1940s.
“We wanted to create a festive holiday event that would allow people to sing together again,” said Rhodd Caldwell, Central Coast Chorale’s new artistic director. “Folks that make up the boomer generation have a different experience of singing in public than younger people. In the ’40s, ’50s, ’60s and even the ’70s, individuals and families frequently sang together in different ways: in schools, in faith communities, around campfires at summer camps, at sporting events, in coffee houses — even at marches or demonstrations. That doesn't happen nearly as much today.”
Lyrics will be displayed on a large movie screen in the Alice Silverman Theatre, with a few songs in both English and Spanish.
Organizers cite the words of acclaimed singer and composer Dr. Ysaye Barnwell who believes group singing can unlock the “awesome power in the human voice.”
“When uncommon voices are blended for the common good they become a ‘vocal community’ at its best,” Barnwell said.
Looking for ways to give back to the community? Bring a pair of pajamas, sizes 5T-2X preferred, to benefit the Lincoln County Foster Parent Association or bring a non-perishable canned food donation for Food Share of Lincoln County.
Central Coast Chorale is a mixed group of about 50 voices that sing an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary choral works, striving always for musical excellence and to share a love of music with the community.
Friday’s event begins with art-making at 5:30 pm and the sing-along at 6:30 pm. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.