Youth center performers have Christmas spirit
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STEUBENVILLE -- Garland, string lights and the soft glow of lantern posts were the decorative backdrop for the Sycamore Youth Center's Old-Fashioned Country Christmas Monday night.
In its sixth year, the Christmas event showcased local dancers, vocalists and instrumentalists. Part of the night's talent was pooled from previous Valley's Got Talent participants and featured five of the competition's previous winners, said Bobbyjon Bauman, director of the Sycamore Youth Center.
"It's an evening to honor Christ by having local talent sing in his glory and have fun," Bauman said.
First to perform for the center's crowded sanctuary was the Community Made Serenade, which played jazzy Christmas tunes. Band director Matt Hill said after the performance that the band is partnered with the Dream Big Music Program, a nonprofit aimed at music education and hosting performances.
Hill said the band is open for all ages and meets every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 1232 National Road, Wheeling.
Performing next were Pamela Bauman on flute and Rick Hicks on trumpet, playing a duet version of "Mary, Did You Know." After them was multi-year VGT participant Julianna Keimig, who played the piano and sang a Christmas version of "Hallelujah." Jariel Henthorn, half of the musical duo Faire May, played guitar and sang the traditional Scottish tune "Christ Child's Lullaby."
Andrea Crawford sang "Frosty the Snowman," after which Dominance Crawford performed a Christmas dance routine. Next were Lucy Wear and Charity Sirilla, who performed an Irish dance to "Hark the Herald Angels Sing."
Shelby Elerick, winner of this year's VGT in the vocalist with instrument category, performed "Oh Holy Night." Lynzee Ensell, 2021 VGT overall winner, and Dalana Bove, 2023 VGT Kids overall winner, performed a duo dance routine set to "The Star."
Sisters Jasmine and Lily Zanes performed a vocal duet of "The First Noel." Afterward were two more dance acts by Macy Coladanato, set to "Chillin' Like a Snowman," and 2023 VGT dance category winner Shayla Terry, set to "Run, Run Rudolph."
The Sycamore Classical Choir performed the traditional Christmas carol "Gaudete," followed by a piano solo of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by 2023 VGT overall winner Catherine Englert.
Next to perform was Elisha Fletcher, who won the first VGT competition in 2014 and has subsequently performed at each of the following competitions. Fletcher sang "A Special Christmas," an original song that he said is available for streaming on Spotify.
Thanking God for his life, Fletcher said, "For Christmas, it's good to have gifts and hang up Christmas trees, ... but the real reason is Jesus, to celebrate his life because he was born."
Capping off the night was Bella Thompson, 2023 VGT vocal soloist winner and longtime Sycamore Youth Center volunteer, who sang "Mary, Did You Know."
Bauman invited all participants in the event to stand for one final round of applause. Providing closing comments, Bauman said, "The reason for the season is Jesus Christ. He came and was born in a manger, and he died on the cross for our salvation. I encourage you guys to always remember that."
During an intermission and after the performances, attendees could venture into the Sycamore Youth Center's foyer to enjoy refreshments. St. Nicholas was present and available for photo opportunities.
As a gift from the youth center, kids in attendance could receive a free backpack and fill it with a toy, socks and shoes and school supplies. Helping to distribute the gifts, and pass out food, were football players for Steubenville Catholic Central High School, as part of their year-round, community service-oriented Overtime Program, led by head coach Eric Meek.
Also contributing to the event were employees of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center and the Sycamore Corps, who all aided in setup and teardown. Decorations were provided by Michelle Clum, program director for the Sycamore Youth Center.