Bahamian Christmas In New York

The sunny Islands Of The Bahamas will bring some warmth to New York City this holiday season with a special sampling of Bahamian folklore and frolic. The first Bahamian Christmas in New York concert will take place Friday, Dec. 3, 2004 from 6pm at St. Bartholomew’s in midtown Manhattan and is free to the general public. All patrons are eligible to participate in a drawing for a trip for two to Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma, and must be present to win.

Bahamian interpretations of “Mary’s Little Boy Child,” “When a Child is Born” and “Ma, Ma Bake The Johnny Cake” will be performed by world-renowned operatic baritone Cleveland Williams and composer/bass Franz Hepburn, Bahamian diva Valerie Pyfrom and the equally dynamic pianist and soprano duo, Lee and Joann Callender, complemented by the rhythmic sounds of the goatskin drum performed by Neal Symonette. Coupled with renditions of the traditional “Oh Holy Night” and “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” the song stylists will present a fused genre comprising of the classics and Bahamian ballads.

Patrons will be treated to a cornucopia of the festive sights and sounds depicted in a Junkanoo Exhibit showcased by Arlene Nash-Ferguson of EduCulture. “It is indeed a heart-warming occasion for me, to welcome fellow Bahamians to St Bart’s and to share our unique way of celebrating Christmas with New Yorkers,” said proud Bahamian, Rev. Charles Simmons, Associate Rector of St Bartholomew’s, and a member of the One Family Junkanoo Group.

Following the concert, a Silent Auction will take place to allow guests to bid on Bahamian-made gift items and exclusive vacation packages. Additionally, patrons can visit www.bahamas.com to bid online up until Christmas Eve for holiday gifts in support of a worthy cause. Proceeds from the Mass offering and Silent Auction will benefit St. Bartholomew’s Church and various charities throughout The Islands Of The Bahamas.

“It is our hope that the unique flavor of the performances, the junkanoo showcase, our Bahamian tree trimming and special gift ideas will express the joyful spirit of The Islands Of The Bahamas, its people and culture -especially during the festive season,” says Deputy Director of Communications for The Bahamas, Janet Johnson. “Through the concert co-sponsorship of our partners: Condé Nast Traveler magazine, The New York Times, Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay and St Barts; together with the Silent Auction sponsors: JetBlue, Song, American Airlines, Atlantis, The Westin & Sheraton at Our Lucaya, Sandals Royal Bahamian, Radisson Cable Beach, Kamalame Cay, Comfort Suites, Pelican Bay and Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Graycliff Cigars, Burns House and Harl Taylor Hand Bags, we are pleased to bring the warmth and holiday cheer of a Bahamian Christmas to New York,” added Ms. Johnson.

The 700 Islands Of The Bahamas lie just off the coast of familiar. For more information on The Islands Of The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com or contact a travel professional.

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism