Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1435901
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 14 UCW DECEMBER 8-14, 2021 EVENTS 82nd Airborne Division concert to feature country stars by EMILY SUSSMAN e 82nd Airborne Division and the 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus are set to host their an- nual Holiday Concert at the Crown Coliseum on Dec. 10. is event marks a return for the in-person performance of the Holi - day Concert ; as last year, the event was an all-virtual event. In 2020 the concert was recorded in the Crown Coliseum with no live audience and released over social media. "We are thrilled to be bringing this event back for a live audience this year," explained Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Goodwin, band member, 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus. e Holiday Concert will feature several holiday classics. Goodwin explained that his favorite pieces scheduled for the event are "White Christmas," the "Armed Forces Ser - vice Medley," and the "Nutcracker Suite." "is really gives the amazing vocalists in the Chorus the chance to demonstrate their talents on a classic piece of music," Goodwin said of "White Christmas." While the "'Nutcracker Suite'" is a "beauti - ful arrangement [that] takes a new twist on some classic melodies and showcases virtuosity from within the band." Goodwin also explained that the "'Armed Forces Service Medley' is another favorite because "honoring all who have served past and pres - ent in this manner is an amazing experience and allows for a musi- cal tribute that is both entertaining and sophisticated." Organizers and band members hope the community will walk away from the event with an ap - preciation of the 82nd Airborne Division. "e legacy of the Division is rich with history and important military milestones and a concert like this is meant to showcase the diversity and values that all paratroopers live by and promote," Goodwin said. "In addition, we want to cel - ebrate the opportunity to share in the enjoyment of the holidays and live music after such a tumultuous almost two-year period." e 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus will be accompanied by four accomplished country mu - sicians: Craig Morgan, Michael Ray, Abby Anderson and Natalie Stovall. "is has been a challenging year for so many, and we've asked a lot of our paratroopers and their fami - lies," said 82nd Airborne Division commanding general Maj. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue. "We've invited some of the best talent Nashville has to offer to play alongside our band and chorus as a way to give back to our families for all they've given the nation." A world-renowned fiddler and Grand Ole Opry on-air personality, Natalie Stovall, will serve as host - ess for the event. Stovall was also a contestant on season 13 of NBC's "e Voice." While Stovall did not win the competition, she has continued to reach audiences through solo and group performances. Craig Morgan, originally from Tennessee, is a U.S. Army veteran. Morgan served as a forward observ - er and started his musical career in 2000. He has charted 17 times over the years. His song "at's What I Love About Sundays" topped charts for four weeks in 2006. Also, in 2006, Morgan was awarded the USO Merit Award for his tireless support of U.S. soldiers and their families. Morgan told American Songwriter Magazine, "Because I have been there, I can appreciate that and have the ability to communicate with them a little differently." Michael Ray originated from Florida and began his country mu - sic career in 2010. His most recent album, "Whiskey in the Rain," was released in September of this year. Country music personality, Abby Anderson, debuted her musical career at the age of 16 on the Glen Beck show and moved to Nashville after graduating high school in Texas when she was 17 years old. Anderson has performed at the Country Music Awards and has re - ceived multiple musical accolades. Santa will also be at the show and sitting for photos with children from 4 to 6 p.m. e country music performers will be in attendance at a meet- and-greet and take photos with fans from 5 to 6 p.m. In accordance with Cumberland County mandates, ticket holders must show their COVID-19 vacci - nation card or a negative COVID-19 test from 72 hours before the event. Masks will be required while in the venue. All tickets are free and avail - able to Fort Bragg soldiers, their families and the general public. Tickets will be distributed to soldiers and their families through their units. To inquire about and reserve tick - ets, the general public is asked to contact WKML 95.7 at www.wkml. com or call 910-496-2000. The 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus pose for a photo. e 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus will host and perform at their annual Holiday Concert at the Crown Coliseum on Dec. 10. (Photo courtesy of the The 82nd Airborne Division.) EMILY SUSSMAN, Editor. COMMENTS? editor@upandcom- ingweekly.com. 910-484-6200. From Left to Right: Natalie Stovall,Craig Morgan, Abby Anderson and Michael Ray will perform with the 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus at their Holiday Concert at the Crown Coliseum on Dec. 10. (Photo courtesy of Crown Coliseum.) Contributing Writers Wanted Join the Up & Coming team Use your creative talents to promote community events (people, concerts, theater, festivals, sports, etc.) Basic writing and interviewing skills needed Intern opportunities available for college students Contact editor@upandcomingweekly.com (910) 484-6200 Contributing Writers Wanted Don't Just Read About it, Write about it! Join the Up & Coming Weekly team • Use your creative talents to promote community events (people, concerts, theater, festivals, sports, etc.) • Basic writing and interviewing skills needed • Intern opportunities available for college students Contact editor@upandcomingweekly.com (910) 484-6200