The 35th annual Bill Drake Christmas Music Festival, upstate South Carolina’s most unique and longest running Christmas Music Festival, returns to the stage of the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium for one performance only, Sunday December 7th at 2:00pm. The doors to the Auditorium open to the public at 1:00pm and since there is no admission charge attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
This year’s show will feature all of the elements that have made it an enduring favorite. Entertainment will include choral and instrumental music, and a touch of comedy. Music will range from the traditional to the more contemporary Christmas sounds. Over 950 performers will grace the stage during the two-hour show. All performers and the staff of the festival volunteer their time and give of their talents to produce the show. Attached is a list of this years participants.
Named for legendary Spartanburg radio personality, Bill Drake, nicknamed the voice of Spartanburg, Bill Drake produceed the show annually as a tribute to the vast array of talent in the area and as an educational opportunity for the many young people who perform. The show is broadcast over 105.7 FM/910 AM on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The music festival is a gift to the upstate community as a result of the generosity of donors to the Spartanburg County Foundation’s Bill Drake Christmas Music Festival Fund and by Southeastern Printing, Spartanburg Coca-Cola, JM Smith Corporation, Denny’s, Wades Restaurant, and Vic Bailey Subaru.
For additional information call the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium at 864-582-8107.
Scheduled to perform:
Sounds of Seven Elementary Chorus
Directors: Denise Arthurs, Sharon Atherton, Linda Creasap, Robin DeHollander, Traci Drummond, Dale Fischer, Adena McDaniel, Lori Patterson, Liz Smith, Chelsea Stegall, Barbara Wilson
Emma Brooke Alley, Soloist
Pacolet Elementary Singing Panthers and the Middle School of Pacolet Chorus
Jackie Harris and Stephen Gans, Directors
Gospel Truth Trio, Kelly Carter, Tiffanie Goodwin, and Gilbert Hames
Spartanburg District One Elementary Honors Chorus
Directors: Campobello-Gramling School – Susan Morrison
Holly Springs Elementary School, Hollie Hendricks
Inman Intermediate School – Dr. Robert Nelson
New Prospect Elementary School - Stacey Gossett
O.P. Earle Elementary School - Allyson Allen
Gary Poole, Comedy
Byrnes Philharmonic Orchestra, Arlyn Mills, Conductor
Spartanburg All County Chorus, Rusty Keesler, director
Dale Fischer, Spud Fischer & Andrew Fischer, Trio
District Five Elementary Singers
Directed By: Sandra Hawkins and Donna Groves
Jeb Lawson, Banjo Soloist
Union County High School Chorus
Lauren Willis, Choral Director
Spartanburg Preparatory School Chorus
Danielle Roberts, Choral Director
District Six Elementary Honors Chorus
Fairforest Elementary, Kelly Moore, Music Teacher
West View Elementary, Patti Sutton, Music Teacher
Woodland Heights Elementary, Dr. Sharon Doyle, Music Teacher
Emma-Brooke Alley & Marc Pitrois, Duet
Spartanburg School District Two Honor Chorus
Jana Curry, director
