Although Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village’s Festival of Lights is perhaps (and understandably) known for the lighting of a staggering 6,000 luminaries, we shouldn’t overlook the performers at this iconic event either. And for the past 22 years, Phoenix, Arizona-based nondenominational River of Life church’s choir has planned its entire holiday season performance schedule around the Festival of Lights.
“Every year, it’s just amazing,” says Ron Tolson, choir director of River of Life. “We have a heart in Sedona. But we have just been so fortunate to develop a great relationship with entire Sedona community through the Festival of Lights event. It brings people of all faiths together to celebrate each other and to celebrate the season.”
The River of Life choir has been performing at the event for 22 years. This choir also has performed with country star Reba McEntire and at Alice Cooper’s annual Christmas Pudding performance fundraiser.
During the Festival of Lights on Dec. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at La Fuente, the 50-person River of Life choir will sing while a seven-piece band plays live. Ron tells us the choir will mostly perform original Christmas songs alongside a handful of covers. Specific songs you can look forward to hearing include “What Child Is This,” “Jesus is His Name,” and “Mary, Did You Know?” But beyond those traditional tunes, anticipate a dynamic show.
“They should expect a high energy-gospel choir that celebrates Christ, that celebrates diversity and unity. We like to engage the crowd, to sing along with us,” says Ron.
“We do Christmas music that is faith-based and not faith-based that’s more just about celebrating the seasons. We really do try to include everyone in the moment. I honestly think people are drawn to the community, to the unity. It’s just unity. That’s exactly what happens in those two hours. It seems as if the entire world shuts off, and we all just realize that we’re one.” − Teresa K. Traverse
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