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Joy to the Beach
Pensacola Beach Optimists bring happiness, encouragement to neighbors
Fabulous festive music and dance promises to make spirits rise at the upcoming Pensacola Beach Optimist Club’s production, “Joy For The Beach” Christmas Concert December 15 at 7 PM, at the Beach Community Church (Via DeLuna and Avenida 18).
The Joy For the Beach Singers and Show Stopper Dancers, as well as some quite lively Irish musicians have been rehearsing hard in preparation for the concert, which is directed by Optimist member Karen Jurkowich.
S e v e r a l members of the club have been to the practice sessions to get a sneak preview of the show.
“Wow, I am so glad I attended the rehearsal; the concert is so uplifting and I can’t wait until Thursday the 15th,” cheers event committee member Bettie Lee Sundstrom.
The PBOC is presenting the night of holiday music in an effort to help beach lovers (whether they reside on the beach or not), who have suffered due to recent storms, have one cherished night this season to just sit back and enjoy some wonderful seasonal entertainment, and get into the spirit of Christmas.
Singers and dancers from Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach, with Irish musicians from the area, have joined efforts to provide an exciting evening that will include an enjoyable audience sing-along portion of several familiar Christmas songs. Concert director Karen Jurkowich has written a beautiful original song e n t i t l e d Silent Holy N i g h t which will
make its
debut at
the event.
“It just
came to me,”
said Jurkowich,
“inspired by the
need of all of us to feel the pure spirit of the season’s true meaning.”
Musical accompanist, Kathy Johanson and percussionist Veronica Johanson add delicious frosting to the cake, infusing each number with their magical upbeat pizzazz.
Members of the committee for the PBOC event are Teet Brannon, Mary Claus, Karen Jurkowich, Monette Hodges and Bettie Lee Sundstrom.
“It’s been a labor of love making flyers and postcards soliciting talent and advertising the show, as well as preparing the programs to be given out at the event,” said Claus.
Monette Hodges, owner of Dancingly Yours Dance Studio, is the choreographer for the Show Stopper Dancers, as well as a singer in the choral section and her husband Sam Hodges is the concert’s videographer.
Teet Brannon has assisted in giving the costumes a special tropical flair. Bettie Lee Sundstrom and her daughter, Tracey, are the gifted graphics pros, with help from Marilyn Sundstrom, who worked on the “Surfing Santa” theme of this tropical Christmas concert’s artwork. For several weeks the dozens of performers have been fine tuning their musical pieces, ensuring a memorable night one for all who attend and the event which is open to the public and free of charge.
Donations may be made on the night of the performance, and any proceeds will go to the PBOC charities.
“The Pensacola Beach Optimist Club is proud to present this Christmas concert,” beams Claus,”We welcome all to mark their calendars and join us for a very special night
of inspiration and tropical holiday fun!”
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