“Let the Show begin!” quipped 7-year-old Ignacio Velazquez II welcoming hundreds of concert attendees alongside his father, Mayor Ignacio Velazquez, at the third annual Hollister Community Christmas Concert held in the San Benito High School Auditorium on Dec. 8
The concert has become as much a part of the holiday season in Hollister as the Lights On Celebration and Parade. Men, women and children from area churches and community organizations gather each year to celebrate the season in song and dance.
“It’s a wonderful occasion, exciting because it’s good to see the different backgrounds in our community all come together for one event. You don’t see that very often and it’s a truly remarkable experience to be a part of,” said Hollister City Councilman Victor Gomez.
Local groups included: Oriana Chorale, Mr. O’s Jazz Band, the Children’s Ballet Folklorico Mariposa dancers, Jeanine Riddle, Vocal Solo, USA Sports GLEE, Rising Stars, South Valley Suzuki String Academy, Hollister Men’s Quartet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Choir, and the San Benito Dance Academy.
The audience then joined in singing “Silent Night” during the show’s grand finale followed by refreshments
“I love directing the concert here in Hollister, which highlights local talent,” said Concert Director Amy Oelrich. “It is exciting to see it grow and I look forward to even more community and church groups getting involved in the future. There is nothing like experiencing the spirit of Christmas through music and dance.”
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