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’Holly and Ivy 2008—A Winter Wonderland’ Promises to Spread Holiday Cheer

  • Published
  • By MSgt Steven Przyzycki
  • The USAF Academy Band
Colorado Springs, CO --  Once again that magical time of year is upon us, as the Holiday Season warms our hearts and brings out the inherent good-will in all of us. The United States Air Force Academy Band's "Holly and Ivy" production is a time-honored holiday tradition that spotlights your Air Force Academy Band--one of the Pikes Peak area's most recognized musical treasures. This year's show entitled "A Winter Wonderland" promises to entertain concert patrons of all ages. 

The show will be presented on Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the State Fair Events Center in Pueblo. The concert is free and open to the public as always, however tickets are required and can be obtained through the events center. Colorado Springs residents will be offered two performances on Monday, December 15th and Tuesday, December 16th at the Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Center. Both shows begin at 7:00 p.m. and free tickets are available at the World Arena and Pikes Peak Center box offices, and at all Ent Federal Credit Union locations. 

This year's performance will feature many classic favorites--some presented in new fresh arrangements such as the Harry Connick, Jr. version of Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. The band's dynamic vocalists, The Academy Band Singers will be featured extensively and will include a surprise visit from the "King of Rock and Roll" himself, the always alive Elvis Presley. Audience participation has always been a big part of the band's "Holly and Ivy" celebration, and this year will be no exception. The concert will feature a special selection for the children in the audience--a musical setting of the classic cartoon, "The Snowman" and a surprise visit is scheduled from that jolly, 'ole guy from the North Pole! The concert will conclude with the most joyous sound of all--our audience's voices in a mass sing along of Holiday Favorites. As we celebrate this Holiday season, it is important for us to be grateful for all of our blessings, not the least of which is our enduring freedom that is preserved by the great men and women that comprise our United States Air Force. The show will feature many heartfelt messages from our deployed troops to their families back home in Colorado. On behalf of your United States Air Force Academy Band, I wish you a joyous Holiday Season, and I hope to see you at the concerts!