SOUL HOLIDAY IS THE ANSWER

Soul Holiday is seen as a ray of light in an otherwise gloomy holiday season.

An article in today's Utica Observer Dispatch outlines how many charities are struggling to raise funds this holiday season. Soul Holiday is included in this article as an example of an effort to both entertain and raise funds for truly worthy causes.

Soul Holiday is donating its net profits to Operation Sunshine and the Stanley Theatre World Stage project.

SOUL HOLIDAY To Perform LIVE on Keeler Show

Last night Gary & Gary appeared on Utica, NY's top radio program, The Keeler Show (92.7 WXUR). Their interview was great as they shared with Bill and the public the details of the upcoming musical, SOUL HOLIDAY.

During the interview, Bill perused www.SoulHolidayOnline.com, and listened to the audio of the show's theme song. He was so impressed with what he saw and heard that he invited the band and the chorus to his "big studio" to perform live next week. Bill Keeler is a well-known proponent of all things made in the Mohawk Valley, and for promoting good local efforts. His gesture was very gracious and much appreciated. The Soul Holiday team will not disappoint!

So, Soul Holiday fans, turn your radio dial to 92.7FM on Thursday, 13 December at around 4:30PM. The gang is set to be LIVE at around 5PM.

Thanks Bill Keeler!

SOUL HOLIDAY Ensemble to Perform FREE HOLIDAY CONCERT at TINY'S GRILL

The SOUL HOLIDAY Ensemble (band and principle singers) announce that they will perform a FREE Holiday Concert at 7:30PM, on Tuesday, December 11th at Tiny's Grill, 1014 State Street, Utica, NY. Admission is free.

As part of SOUL HOLIDAY's 2007 Holiday performance schedule, the ensemble will perform a collection of holiday numbers, including select songs from their upcoming musical, SOUL HOLIDAY.

A dynamic blend of jazz, gospel, blues, and traditional music, the SOUL HOLIDAY Holiday Concert offers a rousing collection of tunes that will put everyone into the spirit of the season. SOUL HOLIDAY co-director Gary Thornton said, "Tiny's has cultivated a sophisticated and appreciative clientele with their years of blues and jazz bookings. Their audience and our music are a perfect fit."

Co-director Gary Harvey added, "This gig at Tiny's will be a perfect sampling of the energy, talent, and exuberance that the audience will experience when they come to our musical the following week. We're thrilled to donate our time to support Tiny's holiday party."

MUSICAL BENEFITS SUNSHINE, STANLEY

Dec 05, 2007 @ 07:53 AM
By ANGELICA A. MORRISON
Observer-Dispatch

UTICA - Looking for a soulful way to celebrate the holidays?

Local theater group G and G Productions is staging "Soul Holiday" this month with proceeds benefiting Operation Sunshine and the Stanley World Stage Fund.

The musical will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 17, 18 and 19 at the Mohawk Valley Community College Theater. The event will feature a cast of nearly 30 performing 14 songs to the accompaniment of a full band.

"It's an all inclusive, family-oriented musical with a message," said Rick Short, the musical's promoter.

The performance is about a girl who is feeling down about the Christmas season. She then goes to the mall to hang out with her friends, and they begin to talk to people about how they celebrate their holidays.

They talk to a traditionalist, a material person and a person who celebrates kwanza.

The musical has been running for the last eight years.

Operation Sunshine is an Observer-Dispatch charity. Each year during its winter campaign, Operation Sunshine collects money for the area's needy families.

Organizations participating in the effort include Catholic Charities of Utica, Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, the Salvation Army of Utica and the Neighborhood Center.

So far, $29,548 has been raised toward a $75,000 goal.

In addition to the holiday campaign, Operation Sunshine conducts a summer campaign that sends low-income children to summer camp.

http://www.uticaod.com/homepage/x540389836

SOUL HOLIDAY PROFITS WILL HELP THE COMMUNITY

G&G Productions announces that the net profits from the 2007 production of the holiday musical, Soul Holiday, will be donated to the Stanley Theatre and Operation Sunshine.

Soul Holiday, Utica's homegrown holiday musical, is an all-inclusive original local production. The show, in its 8th season, is written, directed, produced, and performed by Central New Yorkers. Soul Holiday is a celebration of all cultures, all ethnicities, all beliefs, and all ages. In essence, it affirms the diversity of the Mohawk Valley. It is suitable for family members of all ages.

According to Gary Thornton, Soul Holiday co-producer, "We want to give back to our community, so we are dividing this year's profits between Operation Sunshine and the Stanley Theatre - two great causes, especially at this time of the year."

With Scrooge and The Nutcracker disrupted for 2007, many Central New Yorkers are looking for a solid and poignant holiday musical. Soul Holiday, with over 30 performers, 14 musical numbers, and a full band, fits the bill. Co-producer Gary Harvey said, "We know that civic groups, schools, artists, and families are all looking for a wholesome holiday musical, as well as a way to support the Stanley Theatre and Operation Sunshine. The cast and crew of Soul Holiday proudly steps up and delivers."

Donna Donovan, President and Publisher of The Observer-Dispatch, added, "This is a wonderful way to raise funds to help underprivileged children and their families, while also providing holiday entertainment. That Soul Holiday is locally created and performed makes this an even more special way to help Operation Sunshine."

John Faust, Stanley Theatre Manager added, "The Central New York Community Arts Council, owner and operator of the Stanley Theatre, is pleased to be one of the recipients of the proceeds from this amazing local production. We encourage all folks who annually enjoy "Scrooge" to attend Soul Holiday at MVCC to support these talented local performers to help Operation Sunshine and also the Stanley Theatre as it transforms itself into the STANLEY WORLD STAGE."

Performances of Soul Holiday are scheduled for 7PM on December 17, 18, and 19th at the MVCC Theater. Ticket prices are $8 general admission and $6 for seniors and students (with school IDs). You can learn more about Soul Holiday by visiting www.SoulHolidayOnline.com.

SOUL HOLIDAY ANNOUNCES 2007 DATES

Soul Holiday, Utica's homegrown holiday musical with an all-inclusive message, announces that performances will be held at 7PM on December 17, 18, and 19, at the Mohawk Valley Community College theater in Utica, NY.

Created, written, directed, and produced by community leaders Gary Harvey and Gary Thornton, Soul Holiday is the antidote to holiday commercialism. Told in a streetwise style, the musical explores one young person's search for the true meaning of the holiday spirit - in a shopping mall! Comprised of insightful monologues delivered by a series of diverse and (sometimes) thoughtful characters, SOUL HOLIDAY is a musical reminder of the true meaning of the holiday spirit. Confused comments from brassy materialists and lost souls are contrasted with truly inspired messages from celebrants of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and more. The heartfelt celebration of the true meaning of brotherhood, appreciation, worship, and respect is nothing short of inspirational.

According to Gary Thornton, "When we created Soul Holiday, it was intended as a celebration of inclusiveness and social harmony. Today's community issues make the message even more poignant. If everyone in the area would come to the show, I think we'd have far fewer troubles."

2007 marks Soul Holiday's 8th year. The performance includes 14 songs and requires over 30 performers. A full band supports the stage actors with vibrant and professional musical support.

SPREADING ITS WINGS

Thornton and Harvey are currently soliciting opportunities to perform in venues throughout New York State. "This troupe has honed their skills locally for years. They're worthy of the challenge and have earned the right to take the show on the road" said Thornton. He added, "Our pit is comprised of extremely talented and enthusiastic musicians. They really push the singers to give their all." As for the talent, "We have an excellent mix of performers, all ages, socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic backgrounds, and beliefs. In fact, the only way they are alike is in their talent and their commitment to the true spirit of the holidays" Harvey said.

Tickets will be available at the MVCC theater door on the night of each performance. For more information, or to book a presentation in your community, visit www.SoulHolidayOnline.com or email info@SoulHolidayOnline.com.