UU Church farewell concert, Dec. 18

Woodstock Unitarian Universalist Choir Offers a Farewell Holiday Concert

Woodstock—The Adult Choir of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock will offer a special Farewell Holiday Concert and New Home Benefit at the church, 221 Dean Street on Sunday, December 18 at 7 PM.

The holiday concerts by the Choir have long been a tradition at the church, but have usually been held as part of a Sunday morning service during the season.  “There is a very special reason for this evening concert,” Music Director Thomas Steffens said, “We have been at our present location on Dean Street since 1907. Now after 104 years, we are leaving one great home for another. In January, we will move to our new location on Bull Valley Road, in McHenry.”

The choir wanted to present an evening performance as a gesture of gratitude from the congregation to its long time home town.

The 28 voices in the choir will present   holiday music from the Christian, Jewish and African traditions, as well many seasonal secular favorites. Members of the choir will be featured as soloists and in small ensembles and accompanied by guest musicians  trumpeter Terry Guynes and percussionist Brenton Bartelt.  Choir members Ken Johnson will play guitar and Beth Hoover-Gavriel perform on English horn

Steffens composed two original songs on the program, “Let Us Sing Noel” and “Which is My Christmas”, the latter with former congregation minister the Rev. Dan Larsen.  Many of the other selections are presented in original arrangements.

Soloists will include Carrie MacDonald, Ken Johnson, and Ron Relic.  An a capella male quartet including Steffens, Johnson, Paul Krieg, and George Kazlusky will sing a song in Hebrew.

Admission is free, but there will be a free will offering with proceeds to support expenses for the church in its upcoming move to McHenry. 

Childcare will be available for infants and toddlers.  Parking is available in the municipal lot across Dean Street and on the street.  Come early to secure a seat.

A reception in the basement Helen Wright Room will follow the concert.

For more information contact the church at 815 338-0731 or visit http://joomla.uucofwoodstock.org/ .