East Manatee communities to blend voices for holiday concert Nov. 29 at Cabrini Center in Parrish

PARRISH -- Voices from three East Manatee communities will blend for the "Always Believe" holiday concert 3 p.m. Sunday, at Mother Cabrini Center, 12001 69th St. E.

Taking part will be Voices in the Wilderness from River Wilderness, the Gardeniers from The Gardens, and the Happy Notes from Colony Cove. Also taking part will be RiverBlend Octet.

Singers at River Wilderness have been practicing under the exacting, but good-humored batons of co-directors Polly Boston and Rod Jackson.

Example: "I want you to keep focus. If my arms should fly off, just keep going," says the energetic Jackson.

In addition to directing, Boston also plays piano, writes music, and sings with Voices.

Jackson and Boston bring 11-years experience with Voices to the con

cert.

In addition to the weekly practices, Boston also makes a compact disc for each singer to assist them in learning their parts.

Each of the choruses will take a turn in the spotlight before combining for "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Always Believe" and "Silent Night, Holy Night."

It's a thrill for the singers to combine forces.

"It gives everyone the opportunity to sing with a larger group. It's a different experience," Boston said.

Peg Saltz, a member of Voices, calls "Always Believe" truly lovely.

"It's one of my favorites," Saltz said. "The sound is so great when you have the combined choruses sing together. It's amplified and you appreciate the music more."

The concert takes its name from a song by Greg Gilpin.

The concert includes Christmas and Hanukkah songs.

This year's concert is the second for the combined choruses.

"It's just as big an operation as last year, and almost all of the songs are new," Jackson said.

The 90-minute program is sponsored by the Parrish Arts Council. A $5 donation per person is requested at the door.

"We expect a full house, so get there early," Jackson said.

The only other performances of "Always Believe" are set for the residents of Freedom Village in Bradenton, and at River Wilderness for the residents there.

James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter @jajones1.

This story was originally published November 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM with the headline "East Manatee communities to blend voices for holiday concert Nov. 29 at Cabrini Center in Parrish ."