Shelia Jackson and friends take the stage for concert
Published 3:00 am Thursday, December 8, 2016
For three nights a week over about four months time, Shelia Jackson and Friends have been preparing for the annual Christmas production that traditionally attracts a standing room only audience.
Jackson has put together about 30-plus of the area’s most talented singers, musicians and dancers for what promises to be another incredible holiday spectacular.
Shelia Jackson and Friends is a one-night only concert and show time is 7 p.m. Friday at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University.
Tickets are $10 and are available at the Troy Tourism Office in downtown Troy and will be available at the door.
Quinton Cockrell, Troy University theater professor, is the stage manager for the 2016 Sheila Jackson and Friends concert. Jackson said he has put together a great show from start to finish.
“We’ve got a great lineup for this year’s concert with new ‘friends’ and ‘old’ friends. Everyone has worked hard to make the 2016 Christmas concert one of the best shows we’ve done,” Jackson said.
“We want the concert to be entertaining for people of all ages and a meaningful and memorable way to celebrate the Christmas season.”
WSFA-personality Tonya Terry will emcee the holiday concert.
“As usual, the first half of the concert will feature a variety of music, from blues to Broadway tunes,” Jackson said.
Without giving away too much information, Jackson did hint that “What a Wonderful World” and “The Tennessee Waltz” are on the program. And, maybe “Rise Up.” She revealed nothing more.
The children’s choir will feature about 20 very talented and excited young people and the Pike County Male Chorus is also sure to be a hit with the audience, Jackson said.
The second half of the Shelia Jackson and Friends concert will feature all Christmas music by Jackson and her cast of talented friends.
Songs to be featured include several for kids including “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” for the sentimentalist, “White Christmas” and “Silver Bells, and for everyone, “O Holy Night,” “Ave Maria” and “Carol of the Bells.”
Jackson said the Christmas concert will close with the audience joining the stage performers in a song of the season and one that will lift hearts and spirits at Christmastime.