Salvation Army and Symphony Orchestra shows in NC
This past weekend (Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10th and 11th), found us in North Carolina — specifically, Greensboro and Winston-Salem, where we played the communities’ Coliseums as part of the longstanding Salvation Army food-raising drives. In their 23rd year, sponsored by the local Fox affiliate (Channel 8 ) and Sealy Mattress Co., which is NC-based, these events drew upwards of 20,000 attendees per night, bringing in about 35,000 cans of donated food per night. Talk about community sprit! Wow!
We were an add-on to the traditional performances of the cities’ Symphony Orchestras, and this was our first-ever opportunity to play with such ensembles. These were full-sized orchestras, playing scores for Dance With Me and New Star Shining written lovingly and specifically for these performances by Greensboro’s Maestro. To say we felt honored would be a gross understatement. Elated is more like it.
The first night (Greensboro) also included several excellent ice skaters, skating in concert with the symphony.
And both nights saw the arrival of the best Santa Claus (maybe the real deal? 🙂 ) that ANY of us had ever seen! We simply couldn’t pass up the chance for a photo op with the Big Guy.
Santa or no, it didn’t stop Charlie Morgan from his best Scrooge gurning!
And even though you’ve heard of Dancer and Prancer and Donner and Blitzen … even though you’ve heard of Rudolph … have you ever heard of Lancer the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
Well, ALL were in attendance in North Carolina! Ho, ho ho !!!!
We’d like to give a special shout-out to our good friend, Tom Morgan, without whom none of this would have been possible. Thanks for hooking Orleans up with Sealy, Tom
Just want to mention that this is your last chance to shop our Holiday Sale and get deliveries on time for Christmas. Special items at special prices, and free shipping in the US!
Finally, Larry wanted me to be sure to mention that his BRAND NEW ALBUM, which won’t be available as a hard-copy CD until spring, is NOW up at iTunes and Amazon ! Look for One of the Lucky Ones, by Larry Hoppen.
Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night !!!!
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One Response to “Salvation Army and Symphony Orchestra shows in NC”
BarbaraM Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 1:58 PM
Great photos, great stories — great work guys!!
Happy Holidays to the entire Orleans family and thanks for another year of music. Here’s to more music and joy in 2011…hope to see you at Mohegan Sun, at least! Barbara