The Troy Arts Council welcomes back Shelia Jackson and Company to its annual Christmas Concert Friday night at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University.

Dr. John Jinright, TAC presenter chair, said that Jackson is back by popular demand.

“Shelia’s Christmas concert is one of the most popular programs that we have each year,” Jinright said. “The community is always so supportive and everyone comes out and gets into the Christmas spirit.”

Jinright said the concert features everything from opera to Motown to country and, of course a variety of Christmas music.

“And, Shelia has a few surprises for us this year,” Jinright said. “Shelia’s Christmas concert is always done with a great deal of showmanship and a huge helping of love and giving back to the community.”

Jackson said the 2011 Christmas Concert at the Crosby is actually two shows in one, a Broadway-type variety show and a Christmas concert.

“The first part of the show features Broadway, Pop, classical and even country music,” Jackson said. “There will songs from ‘Porgy and Bess,’ ‘The Supremes,’ and the group ‘Alabama.’ Something for everyone. The second act will be all the favorite Christmas songs, as well as several new Christmas selections.”

Jackson said the band members will be Henry Everette, David Everette, Larry Thomas, Charles Davis, Mike Tyler and Cirous on drums.

Jim Bell and John Jinright will be featured musicians.

Patrick Jackson will join his mom for a special number.

Vocalists include Christine Barron, Dorsey Fayson and Adrian Barron.

“In addition to our local talent, we are excited to have two guest soloists on the program, Marge Simmons from Enterprise and Jacqueline Denison from Andalusia,” Jackson said. “Jacqueline will sing a Simon and Garfunkle favorite, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and Marge will be featured in the Christmas portion of the concert with ‘Jesus, Oh, What a Wonderful Child.’

“We are also excited to have Sally Jordan on the harp. She plays beautifully and the harp brings a unique quality to the Christmas concert.”

One of Jackson’s featured solos will be “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.”

“We are happy to have back with us the Troy University Dance Repertoire, so the 2011 Christmas Concert will have something for everyone and feature some of the best singers, musicians and dancers in our area,” Jackson said. “I’m honored to have them join me for this special, family entertainment Christmas show. It’s our gift to the community at Christmas time and it is given with love and best wishes for the Christmas season.”

The Shelia Jackson and Company Christmas Concert is at 7 p.m. Friday at the Claudia Crosby Theater. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.