Up & Coming Weekly

DECEMBER 9-15, 2009 UCW 11 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM As the holidays approach and calendars begin to fill with celebrations and obligations and to-do lists grow by leaps and bounds, perhaps an evening of fun and relaxation would go a long way in easing the tension. Givens Performing Arts Center, on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, is hosting such an event. Emile Pandolfi will perform on Friday, Dec. 11. Compared to the likes of Debussy, Lloyd Webber and Victor Borge, Pandolfi's holiday celebration delivers well-loved songs of the season. A talented and highly regarded pianist in his own right, Pandolphi uses his years of classical piano training and combines it with comedy from years of doing stand up gigs. The result is a light-hearted and engaging perfomance that offers feel good moments for everyone. "He's been here two times before," said Tasha Oxendine, of the school's marketing office. "And he is requested by people who want him to come back." It has been said that he plays "luxurious arrangements" with an "ethereal quality:" that he plays in a "free-fl owing, emotional manner that seems to go to the music's very soul." (Stereophile Magazine). He received his degree in piano performance, and applies his classical technique to Broadway and popular music, in addition to classical performance, to the delight of his many fans. Strong in both technique and musicality, he has performed in many parts of the world throughout his professional career. Best known for his arrangements, Pandolfi 's favorite music to arrange comes from Broadway musicals. "In addition to being melodically fulfi lling, these songs usually contain meaningful lyrics and lend themselves to interesting arrangement," he said. In many of his arrangements, one can hear the infl uence of Chopin and Debussy, accounting for the sensitivity and passion with which he plays. Recording since 1991, his lush arrangements of familiar music have sold over two and a quarter million copies nationally. This has earned him the distinction of being the top-selling artist in the alternative music industry, distributed primarily in specialty, gift and book shops across the nation. While he was growing up, the Pandolfi home was known as "the place to gather" and music was always associated with fun. That attitude continues today in Pandolif's live performances. And, although serious about his playing, Pandolfi is never serious about himself. While the audience is treated to a brilliant musical performance, they are also entertained by Pandolfi 's charming sense of humor and friendly personality. While the event is a great way to unwind and get lost in the powerful on stage performances of the musician Oxendine noted that this is also a good way for folks to pread Christmas cheer. "This is a good opportunity for people to give tickets as a Christmas gift," said Oxendine. "In the beginning of December, if you are looking for a gift for that person who has everything giving a ticket to live theater is something that everyone can use." Whether you are attending with a friend or giving tickets as a gift, Givens Performing Arts Center offers high quality entertainment for the whole family. Be sure to check out the upcoming schedule of shows, which includes the Band of the Irish Guards on Jan. 19, The Wedding Singer on Jan. 28, and the Boogie Wonder Band on Jan. 23. The show starts at 8 p.m Ticket prices range from $5 to $25 and can be purchased by calling (910) 521-6287 or by visiting the Web site at www.uncp.edu/gpac. Givens Welcomes Emile Pandolfi a STAFF REPORT )D\HWWHYLOOH7HFKQLFDO &RPPXQLW\&ROOHJH ZZZID\WHFKFFHGX C ampus to C o ampus Fayetteville Technical Community College's Future Culinarians of America won the 1st Annual Dickens Holiday Classic Gingerbread competition. The FTCC Culinarians not only placed first in the overall competition but also won first prize in the People's Choice Award. The Dickens Holiday Classic Gingerbread competition was the invention of Dr. Hank Parfitt, chairman of the Downtown Alliance, and Chef Richard Kugelmann, FTCC culinary instructor and committee chairman. One of the most popular traditions of the Christmas season — gingerbread creations — offers those skilled in culinary arts with the opportunity to present their creative best with unique presentation. The competition was open to any food-service professionals who wanted to showcase their talents and skills. The "live" event was held in historic downtown Fayetteville at the Rainbow Room on Saturday, Nov. 27 during A Dickens Holiday. Sponsors were the FTCC Foundation, Inc., H & H Homes and Jeb Designs. Judges were Mr. Greg West, H & H Homes, Chef Steve Zicki, Holiday Inn Bordeaux, and Chef Keith Kurjeza, The Invisible Chef. Prizes for first, second and third places were $500, $200 and $75, respectively. The People's Choice Award was determined by $1 donation voting boxes at each display. It is estimated that more than 1,500 people attended the competition. FTCC Receives Grant From The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation

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