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.
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DECEMBER 14-20, 2016 UCW 13 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM EVENTS For some people, the Christmas season is not complete without a performance of Handel's Messiah (Part the First) and the Hallelujah Chorus. On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Cumberland Oratorio Singers presents Messiah Sing! at St. Ann Catholic Church. It's a years-long tradition that the performers and the audience both look forward to each holiday season. "I think hearing Messiah 'live' is a powerful moment, with experiencing 'Hallelujah!' firsthand, it is a wonderful part of the Christmas season. If someone has not done this, they should do it at least once," said Michael Martin, COS director. "Also, the majority of the musicians in the room are from Fayetteville! How great it is to know that we harbor such magnificent talent to bring this music to life." The concert opens with seven pieces, which are performed by the Campbellton Youth Chorus and the COS. Then after a small break, the COS will perform the first part of Messiah, along with "Hallelujah!" from the second part. In addition, the program includes four professional soloists: Anne Rogers and Brenda Vandervort (both from Fayetteville), Melvin Ezzell from Wilmington, and Jeffery Jones, from Myrtle Beach, S.C. One of the things that makes this concert so special is its inclusiveness. The community is invited to a walk on performance of the "Hallelujah!" sing. To participate, people must have their own copy of Messiah and have it in a black cover or folder. If people would like to walk in at the concert and sing, they will be directed to sit in a designated area for people who wish to sing along. That way, they do not end up standing in front of people who wish to simply watch and listen. For Martin, this is a fun performance. "Honestly, the best part of the concert is performing 'Hallelujah!' And I really enjoy getting to meet the soloists and work with an orchestra. Don't get me wrong; I feel like I have the best seat in the house at every one of our concerts! But in this case, we probably utilize more people from every walk of life that want to be in the mix of our event. From professional singer/performer to the new singer/performer, we have it all," he said. "But if you ask what is the best thing about this and every COS concert? It is that the idea of community needs to be preserved. Fayetteville, for as large as it is, actually feels more like a small town settled in a very big area. Our choir is Fayetteville's community chorus and we want to preserve that as a basic premise of our mission. Our version of this event is much less formal than other organizations. In some of those events, people arrive in period dress to sing the piece. We do not, so I guess that we are a bit more casual about it. It's fun and is a standard event throughout America." Martin noted that the COS is still accepting members."The preparations for our March concert, 'The Teacher and The Student' will feature the music of Britten and Vaughn Williams. Our final concert of the year will be in May as we feature John Rutter's 'Gloria, and other music accompanied by brass, percussion, and organ. People will also want to stay tuned for what is becoming a summer tradition of the COS performing prior to the North Carolina Symphony at Festival Park in July," he said. The Messiah Sing starts at 7:30 p.m. Find out more at: http://www.singwithcos.org. Messiah Sing! Comes to St. Ann Catholic Church by STEPHANIE CRIDER STEPHANIE CRIDER, Editor. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. 910.484.6200 The Cumberland Oratorio Singers performs Messiah Sing on Dec. 17. Arnette Park is a relaxing oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life in Fayetteville. The park is located 2165 Wilmington Highway and it offers a delightful mixture of developed space and open wilderness that facilitates a fun day outside regardless of your interests. There is something for everyone. The developed areas include picnic areas, pavilions, nature trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, football fields, soccer fields, soft ball fields, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, volleyball courts and playgrounds. Over half of the park is still in its natural state, which is perfect for a relaxing walk through the woods. The facilities encompass 100 acres right next to the beautiful Cape Fear River. During the Christmas season, Arnette Park transforms into a winter wonderland. The annual event is called Christmas in the Park. The ½ mile paved walking trail is lined with Christmas-themed festivities. Families are invited to walk along this trail and enjoy all of the holiday-themed sights. Much of the park will be covered with elaborate light displays. Every year the Christmas lights are updated in some way, such as being synchronized with songs. It is far beyond anything you could see cruising around even the most festive neighborhood. The light display is a work of holiday-themed art. But lights are not the only thing that Christmas in the park has to offer. There is also live entertainment, an outdoor movie screen showing holiday movies, a craft station, a Christmas Express train, marshmallows for roasting and, of course, a visit from Santa. All of the live entertainment is provided by local groups. On Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., Avery Hurt Music will perform. Avery is a 17-year-old singer and songwriter that hails from Grays Creek. Her love of music started at a very young age, but her love for performing has been a relatively recent development. Her grandfather gave Hurt her first guitar at age nine, and now travels and performs with her. On Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., the Dazzling Dolls Pom Squad will perform. They are a competitive dance squad for girls ages 4 to 17. The group is run by Michelle's Dance Company and is designed to encourage personal growth for the participants. Dec. 10 will feature Aloha Ka'naka O Hula Halau at 7:30 p.m. This is a dance group that teaches and performs traditional Hula. Classes can be found at the Hope Mills Rec Center and they perform all across the region for all sort of events not only to entertain but to educate audiences on the joys of Hula. The 12th will have Stedman Cheer perform at 7 p.m. This is a cheer and tumbling team. The 15th will bring the Morganton Road Elementary Chorus. Dec. 16 is a special day that has three different groups performing. At 7 p.m., there is the Alderman Road Elementary Chorus. At 7:30 p.m. is the YDA All-Stars, a dance group from Yvette's Dance Academy. At 8 p.m., Legacy: E.E. Smith Step Team will finish out the night with a powerful performance. The 19th also offers more than one performance group. At 7 p.m. is the South View Middle School Chorus. At 8 p.m., Avery Hurt Music will return. Admission is determined by cars. A family vehicle is $10. A commercial vehicle is $30 and a motor coach or bus is $75. Photos with Santa are $5. Marshmallows for roasting are $1 per stick and $1 per four marshmallows. Fire pits will be provided. Train rides are $1 per person and crafts are $1 per craft. Everything will be cash only. Service animals are welcome, but it is requested that all other pets remain at home. Christmas in the Park will take place from Dec. 7 - 21. It is a family friendly event open from 6 p.m. until 9p.m. Celebrate Christmas in the Park at Arnette Park a STAFF REPORT