There’s more coming at Christmas from the Pell City Players, and a visit from — yes, really — The Platters coming up in January.In October, gospel greats Gold City come to perform, and in November, a visit from the Birmingham Music Alliance’s ‘Bama Mix with a presentation of electronic mixed media and classical chamber music is scheduled.
The line-up reflects the way Kathy McCoy, executive director for the Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts, views the community she serves.
“We work very hard to find entertainment for everyone’s tastes,” she said. “And we have a diverse array of interests here, so that’s how we approach lining up the performances.”
The center has also become the place for finding children’s events. Already this year, the center has hosted a drama camp for youths, and next week a music camp for youths ages 7 through 12 is scheduled.
The Platters will bring classics like “Harbor Lights” and “Twilight Time,” along with “The Magic Touch” and “With This Ring,” part of their timeless repertoire, to town.
Their tours have taken them all over the world, performing in places like Madison Square Garden and the Bottom Line Nightclub in New York.
The Platters appear in Pell City for one performance only Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.
The musical play “Don’t You Just Love Christmas” is presented by the Pell City Players. McCoy directs the play, and Steve Pennington is musical director.
There will be four performances, one at 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 5 and 6, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Dec. 7.
The play features the story of a family in a small town in Tennessee. Christmas magic is shown taking place when a little girl asks for a very special Christmas wish.
Tickets are $20 and $25.
For the performance of classical and electronic music from ‘Bama Mix, there is one presentation Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $15.
Gold City has performed for the past 25 years, earning a list of awards that include Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Group of the Year and Individual of The Year.
The group members demonstrate their faith on stage. That faith was put to the test when they lost drummer Doug Riley in an auto accident in 2006.
His brother, Daniel Riley, said the members of the group have had to “exercise the faith that we sing about and God has brought us through the deepest valley we have ever traveled.”
Gold City comes to Pell City Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
The Pell City Center and Showstoppers Promotions begin music camp July 21, for ages 7 through 12. The camp operates from 9 a.m. until noon through July 25, when it ends with a public performance at 7 p.m.
The fee for the camp is $85 per child.
Director Steve Pennington will use the songs from “The Candy Man” to teach children about commercial and Broadway styles of singing, range, audition techniques and more.
The Pell City Center’s Youth Talent Search takes place Saturday, July 19 with registration for children age 7 to 12 starting at 9 a.m.
There is a $35 entry fee.
The teen talent search begins at noon with registration for ages 13 to 20.
For tickets to events or to register for camp, you may call the center at 205-338-1974. Registration forms are available online at www.pellcitycenter.com.
