Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from December, 2016

A stellar Philly POPS Christmas at Verizon Hall

 The Philly POPS performs their Christmas show. Credit Bachrach Photo. With twinkling lights, classic Christmas carols and even a visit from Santa, you were swept up in the holiday spirit watching “A Philly Pops Christmas Spectacular Sounds of the Season” last weekend at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Maestro Michael Krajewski conducted the sensational show featuring over 300 musicians and singers, including the 65-piece Pops orchestra, pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare, organist Peter Richard Conte, the Philly POPS Festival Chorus, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. The Pops sounded exquisite as they performed amongst the twinkling trees on the stage and sparkling lighted snowflakes above. Pops member Matt Gallagher especially stood out as he played “Ding Dong Merrily on High” on the piccolo trumpet. It’s always a special treat to hear The Philadelphia Boys Choir, especially during “We Need a ...

Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall in Cape May

By Amy A. Winnemore With the scent of gingerbread in the air and twinkling lights shining brightly on the trees, Congress Hall’s grand lawn has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland. All this month, there’s an abundance of holiday activities for all ages at this historic resort in Cape May, N.J. The oldest seaside hotel in the country is also wrapping up its bicentennial celebration with its annual Winter Wonderland festivities including Brunch with Santa, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and more. Guests will be awed as they stroll into the Victorian hotel and gaze at the beautiful Christmas trees and the giant candy canes lining the hallways.  “We do Christmas on steroids,” says Curtis Bashaw, laughing as he describes the abundance of holiday cheer at Congress Hall. Bashaw, whose grandfather, preacher Carl McIntire, once owned the hotel, is co-founder and co-managing partner of Cape Advisors and Cape Resorts Group which operates Congress Hall. For more than a decade, the y...