Each year, around Christmas time, the Troy Arts Council presents the “Shelia Jackson and Friends Holiday Concert” as a way of giving back to the community and in appreciation for the support the TAC receives for its programming throughout the year.

The year’s concert will be at 7 p.m., Friday, December 14 at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available by calling 334-282-9474 or for pickup at the TAC office, 113 North Market Street in downtown Troy.

  “The Shelia Jackson and Friends concert is the annual event that brings our entire community together with music, dance, and holiday spirit,” said Dr. John Jinright, TAC presenter chair. 

“Shelia’s voice is one of Troy’s musical treasures and it just keeps getting better.

“She has assembled a production team that keeps a huge group of singers, dancers, musicians and hosts organized and on-cue; it’s a really wonderful show to present.”

Jackson said this year’s concert will open with a variety show that includes jazz, classical, pop and Broadway songs and music.

“The first half of the show also includes some Christmas music,” Jackson said. “It’s a very energetic show and a lot of fun. The second half is devoted more to the songs of the season.  Some are traditional favorites and we include some newer renditions, too. The finale brings all the entertainers to the stage for an uplifting close to and a great way to usher in Christmas.”

Jackson said this year’s show will feature those who have performed with the show over the years, including Henry Everette on keyboard and vocalists, Christine Barron, Dorsey Fayson, Carnell Barron, and Adrienne Barron.

“They are all good friends and fantastic performers,” Jackson said. “They are great background singers for the show and will also be featured vocalists.”

Special guests for the show will be Johnny Barron, Mage Simmons, Tommy Newman, Henry Terry, Tori Lee-Averett, Gabie Jackson and Patrick Jackson.

“We also have special guests from Montgomery, Eric Nettles and sopranos, Anna Moore and Tommie Easterly,” Jackson said. “Another guest performer will be violinist J.C. Sue.”

The Troy University Dancers and the Children’s Chorus are popular with the audience as is the Pike County Male Chorus.

“Adrianne Hicks will perform with the dancers and her sister, Caitlin Hicks, will be one of our vocalists,” Jackson said.

Emcees for the Shelia Jackson & Friends Holiday Concert will be Tonya Terry and Willie B. Williams, Jr.

Jinright said the Shelia Jackson & Friends Holiday Concert is a holiday tradition for many in and around Pike County. Everyone leaves having been well entertained.