The Villages Pops Chorus captured the joy and spiritual reverence of Christmas on Monday during two sold out concerts at North Lake Presbyterian Church.
“The only thing we’re missing is the snow,” said Bill Davis, director of the chorus for its annual Christmas show called “It’s The Holiday Season.”
“But like most of us who come from up north, we have no desire to go back to the snow,” Davis said.
That set the stage for a slow and surprising soft version of “Winter Wonderland” that created a wistfully nostalgic mood.
These packed holiday concerts have become an annual event.
“We’re so thankful for your support,” Davis said, noting that the money raised will benefit All One Family, Inc. and Deliver the Difference.
There were plenty of laughs and fun during such numbers as “A Doo-Wop Christmas,” “Christmas Island” and “Jing-a-Ling, Jing-a-Ling.”
That last one was “my 18-month old grandson’s favorite,” a beaming Davis said from the podium. The Villages Pop Band, led by Jo Ann Hanebrink, provided the musical backing.
“A Doo Wop Christmas,” – by A Cappella Gold – was more delicious than eggnog with such lyrics such as ‘bop-shu-bop-shu-bop/rang-a-langa ding dong.” Other lyrics included: “Tears on my pillow,” “16 candles” and “You’ll be my little darlin’ and I’ll be your duke of earl.”
It was enough street corner holiday poetry to touch the heart of even a greaser named Scrooge.
Solos included “Heirlooms” by Jan Lavin; “My Christmas Wish,” Ann Stockton; “The Christmas Waltz,” Melody Gardner; and “All I Want for Christmas,” by Sue Schuler.
A folk trio featuring Jack Strite, Woody High and Donna Francis turned in a powerful version of Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Light One Candle.”
“That’s one of my favorite songs,” said Davis, an ardent fan of folk music, noting that it was written by Peter Yarrow, of Peter Paul and Mary.
Like all memorable Christmas gatherings, this one had some surprises. The Aloha ‘O Ka Hula Dance Troupe provided Island spark on “Christmas Island” and then performed a moving number choreographed by Violet Ray to “Silent Night.”
“Christmas Jazz” featured a solo by Peter Webb and a creative combination of “Carol of the Bells,” and “Jingle Bells.”
Bill McGaughey took a solo on “The Christmas Song,” and Brenda Jacobsen and Ann Stockton joined in the front of the stage during “Jing-a-Ling, Jing-a-Ling.”
Then came a classic by Meredith Wilson.
“I bet you all know that Meredith Wilson wrote “Music Man,” Davis said. “I was in that musical three times, so I know it. But maybe you didn’t know that Wilson wrote this song.”
The Pops Chorus, with nearly 150 members, then delivered a festive “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” The singers overcame the Florida heat and humidity to bring back memories of home and family with “White Christmas.” Then it was time for a thumping “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”
The Pops Chorus ended the concert with the real meaning of the season: “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”
Tony Violanti is a veteran journalist and writes for Villages-News.com.
