UAPB choir to present Handel’s ‘Messiah’
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Music will present the UAPB Vesper Choir in its 71st presentation of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. James United Methodist Church, 900 University Drive.
This free event is open to the public. Handel’s “Messiah” has been performed for more than two centuries, according to a news release.
The UAPB Vesper Choir is under the leadership of UAPB Director of Choral Activities, Jerron A. Liddell, who is in his seventh year as conductor, and assisted by Jamie Dahman, voice instructor and assistant director of the Vesper Choir.
Dahman will also be the featured tenor soloist for this year’s performance. Gjergji Gaqi, accompanist and assistant professor of piano, also assists the Vesper Choir and will serve as keyboardist for the performance.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The performance will feature a diverse group of UAPB student soloists: Shayla Graham, a soprano from Camden, Caili Morris, a soprano from Little Rock, Kristian Hicks, a baritone from Monticello, and Joshua Duckworth, a bass from Little Rock.
In addition, the performance will also feature UAPB alumni soloists, including Ricky Wade, a baritone from Little Rock, and Tamesha Monk, an alto from Dallas. Details: Jerron A. Liddell at (870) 575-8907.
Reception, Coon Supper set Jan. 11
The 13th annual Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception will be held at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Berry Farm Shop in Gillett followed by the 81st Gillett Coon Supper at the Gillett School Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m.
“Politicians are tested on their political acumen by their wiliness to eat the smoked raccoon,” according to a news release.
The Gillett Coon Supper is hosted by the Gillett Farmers and Businessman’s Club and has long been a required stop on the Arkansas political circuit.
“The Coon Supper has been a long-standing tradition in Gillett,” said Mitch Berry. “We continue to be proud for the Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception to be associated with such a legacy. Over the past 12 years we have been able to raise $228,000 for public service related scholarships at Arkansas State University. My parents have dedicated their lives to public service and knew the importance of investing in the next generation,” said Berry. “We look forward to honoring them at this year’s event.”
The Marion and Carolyn Berry Scholarship is awarded to qualifying A-State students who show an interest in public policy and public service.
The 2024 scholarship recipients were Casen May, Sarai Stubblefield, and Lindsey Lancaster. May and Stubblefield were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship to participate in The Washington Center Academic Internship Summer Program in Washington, D.C. Lancaster was awarded $2,000 to intern in Sen. Boozman’s Jonesboro office.
The reception tickets are $50 each. Sponsorships are available to be a Berry Good Partner for $5,000, a Berry Good Supporter for $2,500, a Berry Good Host for $1,000 and a Berry Good Friend for $500. Tickets can be purchased online at https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1531/17/interior.aspx?sid=1531&gid=1&pgid=1572&cid=3494 or at the door. For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Becky Barnes Campbell at (501) 912-7560 or Gabe Holmstrom at (479) 409-3329.
Founding hosts of the reception are Campbell Ward, JPJ Consulting, Mitch Berry, Woosley Gaming Advisors and Wright Lindsey Jennings.
Tickets to the Coon Supper may be purchased by contacting Tyler Place at (870) 830-4422.