North Charleston Kicks Off Christmas Season with Holiday POPS Performance
North Charleston, S.C. is truly getting into the holiday spirit! This Saturday marked the start of the Christmas season with the much-anticipated North Charleston Holiday POPS concert. If you missed it, you definitely missed a magical evening filled with festive cheer, spectacular performances, and a sense of community that was truly heartwarming.
Local Talent Takes Center Stage
As local artists from across the Lowcountry took to the stage, the audience was treated to an incredible display of talent. The evening featured special performances from well-known artists such as Martin Chalk, Heather Rice, Suzanne Fleming-Atwood, and the talented dancers from the Palmetto City Ballet. These artists brought the spirit of the season alive with their rendition of beloved holiday classics.
Jim “Soni” Sonefeld Lights Up the Night
One of the highlights of the concert was the appearance of Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, the former drummer of the iconic rock band Hootie & the Blowfish. Known for his powerful music and message of hope, Sonefeld treated attendees to a fresh piece from his Christmas record, “Light of Joy”. This festive EP not only shares the sounds of the season but also conveys the touching story of the birth of Jesus and some of Sonefeld’s cherished holiday memories.
Majestic New Releases and Community Spirit
Sonefeld’s single “Light of Joy (Gloria)” which he co-wrote with Martin Chalk, is described as majestic and emphatic. The two artists collaborated right in Mount Pleasant, with Chalk painting a beautiful picture of the song’s message—an angelic tale that shares the light Jesus brought into the world. As a Worship Pastor at Saint Peter’s Church, Chalk is not only a performer but also a beacon of hope in the community.
A Celebration of Community and Giving
The concert wasn’t just about the amazing music; it was also a time to give back. The North Charleston POPS partnered with Deans Dogs, an initiative founded by again, Hootie & the Blowfish’s Dean Felber, to hold a donation drive benefiting the Charleston Animal Society. Those who donated, no matter the amount, had the chance to win a backstage tour and even a meet-and-greet with the Hootie musicians themselves! How cool is that?
Join the Holiday Fun
For anyone looking to join in the holiday festivities, there’s still time! Tickets are available online and at the box office. The doors opened at 6:30 PM, and the heartwarming show commenced at 7:30 PM. Get ready to sing along, because the program included some fantastic holiday favorites! Expect everything from a delightful Hanukah Overture (arranged by the talented Adam Shugar), to enchanting music from The Nutcracker, and don’t forget the original holiday tunes by Sonefeld, Chalk, and Heather Rice.
A Magical Kickoff to the Season
As the evening unfolded, Sonefeld expressed his hopes for the evening, stating, “I think the sing-alongs will bring the audience in and dancing as well! For us, it’s about community and getting together with musicians and performers that are local and have a lot to offer in the arts.”
Chalk echoed Sonefeld’s sentiments, wishing for everyone to leave the concert with a little brightness in their eyes and a sense of joy. What a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season, right?
So, whether you’re a local or just visiting, don’t miss out on the next events and performances. Christmas is just around the corner, and there’s nothing like the magic of community celebrations to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
