On its 50th anniversary, Salisbury Symphony celebrates Bert Oestreicher’s Big Band Bash 

By Linda Jones, Executive Director Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Society

As a salute to the Salisbury Symphony’s 50th Anniversary Season, the Big Band Bash’s theme this year is “Music of the Ages.” The classic annual fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday evening, Jan. 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Hedrick Auditorium at Catawba College.

Rachel Bernheim has chosen this year’s event as a special tribute to her mother, Bert W. Oestreicher, for whom the Big Band Bash first began.

“Mom loved to dance and adored big band music,” grins Rachel. “Nothing could be more appropriate than having her special sparkle add luster to the Big Band Bash.”

Lane Wallace, this year’s chairperson, has asked David Hagy to begin the musical toast with music from the Frank Sinatra era, following up on last year’s most successful event. As inspiration for incorporating more current styles, Lady Gaga’s collaborations with Tony Bennett were considered. Knowing David Hagy’s genius for thematic programming, guests are sure to be delighted.

As in year’s past, the evening will begin in Hedrick Auditorium with a stage presentation by the SSO Big Band. Then, everyone reconvenes in the Crystal Ballroom for dinner and dancing. B&B Catering will again provide incredible dishes.

Individual tickets are available for $100 each. Tables for eight or ten may be reserved for $1,200 or $1,500, respectively. Most of the cost is tax-deductible. Last year’s event was sold out in advance, so those interested in attending are urged to purchase tickets early.

Thanks go to Lane Wallace and her committee: Andrea Anders, Buddy Farnan, Shari Graham, Henrietta Henderlite, Laura Lewis, Jordan Warren, and Jean Wurster. Funds raised by this special event help keep the music “on” for our community.

Deadline to order tickets is Dec 30 at www.salisburysymphony.org

 

New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower

8 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31: Ring in the New Year at Salisbury’s historic Bell Tower, the spot where Salisburians have rung in a new year since 1975.  There will be live music, a video feed of Times Square, hot chocolate, goodies and — thanks to restoration work that has been going on since October — the ringing at midnight of the bell that has hung in the West Innes Street tower for 125 years, but has been inaccessible in recent years due to safety concerns in the structure.  The event is sponsored by Salisbury Parks and Recreation, see www.salisburync.gov for details.

 

Christmas fun continues tonight and tomorrow in Kannapolis

Winterland Express train — 6-9 p.m. this evening; 6-10 p.m. Friday. 250,000+ Christmas light displays. Admission and viewing of the lights is free; train ride tickets are $2. At Village Park, 700 West C St. www.kannapolisnc.gov

Visit with Santa — 6:30-9 p.m. through Dec. 30: Visit Santa in his studio; local musicians performing favorite Christmas songs, the Kannapolis Singing Bears. The Atlantic Coast S Gaugers group with popular model trains on display tonight and tomorrow night. At Village Park, 700 West C St. www.kannapolisnc.gov

Breaking up Christmas at the Montgomery General Store

GOLD HILL — Montgomery General Store at Gold Hill will celebrate Breaking Up Christmas on Friday, Jan. 6 with the open Bluegrass Jam beginning at 7 p.m. The event celebrates the age old mountain tradition of music and fellowship during the two weeks between Christmas on December 25 and Old Christmas on January 6.

Montgomery Store is located in the heart of Historic Gold Hill Village. Admission is by donation. Learn more at 704-267-9439 or www.historicgoldhill.com

 

Get 2017 Started Right with the Third Annual Resolution 5K on Saturday

Submitted

Hosted by the Forum and Salisbury Rowan Runners, the third annual Resolution Run 5K is set for Saturday morning, Dec. 31. The event begins at the Forum at 9 a.m. and is somewhat different than most road races because no awards will be given. Every single dollar of proceeds will benefit Rowan Helping Ministries and all walkers and runners of all capabilities are encouraged to participate.

All who do participate will get refreshments and an accurate time on a precisely measured course. The first 200 registrants will get a dri-fit t-shirt. Entry fees are $5 and three canned goods, or $10. All additional donations will be gladly accepted.  A printable race brochure is available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. The completed brochure can be mailed in or dropped off at the Forum along with the fee.

Race registration will be available on Saturday morning from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m.  Come out to just have an enjoyable run/walk with several hundred of your friends and benefit a great cause at the same time. Additional sponsors include the City of Salisbury, the Salisbury Post and Novant Health.

Call 704-310-6741 with any questions.

 

Full Circle Arts call for artists

HICKORY — Full Circle Arts of Hickory’s photography exhibition/competition runs Jan. 19-Feb. 25. The exhibition is titled “50 Shades: Black and White Photography.”  The show will be judged and juried by award-winning photographer Clayton Joe Young.  Artists may enter up to three photographs for a fee of $10. Nothing larger than 48” in any direction and all work must be framed and properly wired for hanging.

Artists are allowed to enter up to 3 photographs for a fee of $10. Nothing larger than 48” in any direction and all work must be framed and properly wired for hanging. Photographs should be hand delivered to our gallery, 42 -B Third Street NW, Hickory from Jan. 12 – 14, 2017 during  normal business hours.

The opening reception is Jan. 19.  Email info@fullcirclearts.org or visit www.fullcirclearts.org for registration information.