Saturday evening, December 9 was the Christmas Music Festival at Waters United Methodist Church in Port Republic. This festival was a way for the church to celebrate the season, share their musical talents with those of the community, and help fund their new building. About 100 people were in attendance to enjoy seasonal music and an excellent reception afterward (those Methodists sure can cook!).
After a short welcoming statement by Pastor Daniel Montague, the Patuxent Pearls came forward, as a bevy of beautiful barbershop babes, bedazzling in bangled bodices. They performed Winter Wonderland, Silent Night, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Christmas is a Time for Joy, The Real Joy of Christmas and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. More information about their singing group can be found at http://www.tricospeb.net/pearls/.
Next up were two darling little girls, Alyssa Michael and Jackie Merkel. They sang “Sing a Song from the Mountaintop” and “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” Their tone and harmonies rang true, and it was hard to think that these two are only in the sixth grade. This was followed by a college student name Neil Smith. Neil’s powerful rendition of “Mary Did You Know?” evoked a soulful appeal from a difficult solo performance. This young man has lots of talent. Look for good things from him soon.
Unclouded Day brought their gospel bluegrass style harmonies to the stage next with “Bring a Torch,” “Oh Holy Night,” “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem,” and “What Child Is This?” This final number featured Erik Johnson performing with an ancient stringed instrument called a bowed psaltry. It’s a fine and rare instrument created by band member Dan Pazdersky from lumber scraps, but the tone and playing were excellent.
Mary Ellen Manning, the church organist, performed a few holiday selections on the organ and followed them with Amazing Grace. Two of the congregation, Laurie Marshall and Angela Montague performed duets on “Softly the Stars Are Shining,” and “The Lord Is My Shepherd.” Their close and traditional harmonies evoked a very traditional church-like character. After their duets, they were joined by the full church choir to sing “Hear the Bells Ring, Hear the Angels Sing,” and “Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” (an old bluegrass favorite). Shorty Kirby helped out on the guitar.
When the choir was done, Shorty stayed, and was joined by Pastor Davis from Christ Church on the 5-string Banjo to perform instrumental versions of “Are You Washed in the Blood?” and “I’ll Fly Away.” Finally, Shorty closed the show with a few selections on his autoharp, “Jingle Bells” and “Unclouded Day.” At the urging of fellow congregants, he performed a recitation of “Father’s Table Grace.” A final prayer of thanksgiving followed and then all were welcomed to fellowship with lots of delicious food.
