Local talent showcased in free Holiday Kickoff concert
The Canton Repository, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village are teaming to present a free “Holiday Kickoff Spectacular” concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Palace Theatre in downtown Canton.
The light-hearted, family-friendly concert is designed to showcase local musical talent and arts organizations in performances of beloved songs of the Christmas season.
“I had the pleasure of working with The Repository for its 200th anniversary a few years ago, and ... when they contacted me about curating this event, I jumped at the chance because when they put their name to on something, I knew it would be quality. I wouldn’t put an event like this together for just anybody,” area artist and performer Ryan Humbert said. “I love putting a spotlight on our community.”
Scheduled to perform are Matt Corey, Joy Ellis, Kerri Fedor, Willis Gordon, Half the Nation, Humbert, Dean James, Cody J. Martin, Ohio Weather Band, Scott Paris, Roslyn Pratt, Marc Lee Shannon, White Buffalo Woman and Yankee Bravo.
“On behalf of the entire teams at the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village, we are honored to present the Holiday Kickoff Spectacular,” said David Baker, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “This event will not only share the spirit of the holidays, but also showcase the extraordinary talent from our community.”
The opportunity to offer this “gift to our community” would not be possible without the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village, said Jim Porter, publisher and CEO of the Repository.
“This will be a great way to showcase our local talent, and the variety of individuals and groups that will take the stage will make this event special for everyone,” Porter said.
The Canton Ballet, Canton Symphony, EN-RICH-MENT Drumline and Dancers and Scared Scriptless also will make special appearances.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. They will be available online at RepHolidaySpectacular.com starting at 10 a.m. today. There is a limit of four tickets per person. Capacity for this event will be about 1,400 guests.
“I booked all of these folks because I knew they would bring their ‘A’ game,” Humbert said. “There is a nice talent pool right here in Stark County.
“Dean James has an amazing voice. Roslyn Pratt is so soulful. I love the Ohio Weather Band. I have heard nothing but amazing feedback on Joy Ellis. There is nobody on that list I wouldn’t want to watch.”
Humbert said one of the challenges will be making sure the performances move along with 20 acts.
“That doesn’t mean people will be there for six hours,” he said. “Each artist or organization is doing one showcase. It will be a nice way to celebrate the holiday, see the talent in our area and spread some holiday cheer.
“We live in such a rough time with a lot of negativity and noise out there. If we get together one night and celebrate the vibrant arts in our area and spread some cheer together, it will be nice.”
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