The Troy Arts Council is confident that the Shelia Jackson & Company Holiday Concert will be one of its biggest events of the year.

The arts council’s confidence is not misplaced.

“What can we say after a Shelia Jackson concert?” said Dr. John Jinright, TAC presenter chair. “Shelia’s concert Friday night was incredible. What can you say?”

The Claudia Crosby Theater was packed with the audience attendance estimated at nearly 1,000.

“The last time we had attendance like that was at the Lily Chi Chinese Dance program several years ago,” Jinright said. “And, the program was filled to the brim with selections for every musical taste. The dancers were wonderful; the singers, the band, the individual musicians were outstanding. The talent was amazing. The concert was absolutely incredible.”

Jinright said it is rewarding to have such outstanding community support for the annual holiday showcase of local talent.

Jackson expressed appreciation to all of those who participated in the annual holiday concert and to the Troy Arts Council for the opportunity to bring local talent to the stage.

“We have a wealth of outstanding talent in and around Pike County,” Jackson said. “I appreciate the TAC giving me and them an opportunity to perform at this special time of year.

“The arts council makes the tickets affordable so this concert is really the TAC’s gift to the community. Being a part of it was special to all of us. We appreciate all of those who came to help make this night one to remember. We were overwhelmed by the response from the audience. Thank you to everyone.”

The TAC has an outstanding lineup for its winter season, which kicked off in grand style with the Shelia Jackson & Company Holiday Concert.

“The TAC will host a rare collection of early English Bibles and Psalters on Friday at the Troy Public Library,” Jinright said. “Then in January, we’ll have two concerts at the Claudia Crosby Theater.”

On January 13, world-renowned accordionist Alexandre Sevastian will be in concert and The Merling Trio will be at the Crosby on Jan. 28.

“On Feb. 12, the Spencer’s Theater of Illusion will come to town,” Jinright said. “The Spencers are the international magicians of the year and it will be an event that everyone will want to attend.”

Jinright said the winter months are times of relative calm and he encourages everyone to make the TAC events a part of their winter entertainment.