Let “Christmas with the POPS” light up your holidays!

Bloomington, IN - The Bloomington POPS Orchestra and Chorus is ready to pack your sleigh with all your favorite holiday tunes at “Christmas with the POPS” on Friday November 23, 2007 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, with two performances surrounding the Canopy of Lights ceremony on the Square.

The first performance at 5:30 pm, prior to the Canopy of Lights, is a 50-minute program, perfect for families with young children. The 8:00 pm show will be 80 minutes of holiday musical entertainment appropriate for all ages. Between shows, the Bloomington POPS Chorus will lead the crowd at the Canopy of Lights with favorite holiday songs.

Conductor Chris Ludwa will lead both performances of “Christmas with the POPS”. Ludwa states, “The POPS has always specialized in a broad range of repertoire to reach out to several generations of people so that entire families from grandchildren to great-grandparents can enjoy the concert together.”

Program highlights include the warm and wintry sounds of IU Jacobs School of Music faculty saxophonist Otis Murphy, jazz vocal ensemble Six In the City, and harpist Gracie Forthun. Musical Director Bob Stoll says that Gracie is a 16-year old up-and-coming harpist with a multitude of talent that should not be missed. Pre-show entertainment, featuring Carl’s Christmas Bells will delight young and old alike. General Manager Kathy Romy reassures that the beloved sing-a-long will return this year, and of course, a visit from Santa.

Reserved seating tickets may be purchased at the Sunrise Box Office next to the Buskirk-Chumley theatre, (812) 323-3020, or online at the POPS website www.bloomingtonpops.org or www.bloomingtonarts.info Advanced sale reserved seating for 5:30 pm show are $5 per child (12 & under) and $12 per adult (Day of show prices are $7 & $14) Advanced sale tickets for the 8:00 pm show are $5 per child (12 & under) and $18 per adult (Day of show prices are $7 & $20).

For more information on Christmas with the POPS, or the Bloomington POPS organization, please call the Bloomington POPS office at (812) 336-8747, or visit their website at www.bloomingtonpops.org.