Free all-star Christmas concert

Vernon — Vernon United Methodist Church will host its annual Christmas Concert On Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Adam Gilbert, music director of the church, calls upon many talented friends to share their eclectic styles with the community and he has once again put together an all-star lineup of performers. This year features 15 performers from a variety of backgrounds. Composer, conductor and jazz pianist Adam Waite will be on hand alongside his equally impressive wife, classical and jazz violinist Leena Waite for the fourth year in a row. Lea Lid, musical theatre director at Centenary College, will be singing and her father-in-law Phil Lid will offer his powerful bass vocals as he has done for so many years with the Metropolitan Opera. Jazz saxophonist Ian Cruz will be home just in time from working on his master's degree at the University of Kentucky to perform in the concert. Lindsay Dunn will home on her winter break from Wagner College where she is a musical theatre major and a singer. The local duo Samhill Road made up of Eugene Steficek and Andrew Gallagher will bring their acoustic guitars and vocals. Mike Robinson, worship leader of the Gospel Project, will also sing and play his acoustic guitar. Other local talent will include Myong Shin Jeon, baritone Craig Spear, singer/guitarist Sean O’Flynn, bass/baritone Matthew Ciuffitelli and singer Jodi Bischoff and the Vernon United Methodist Praise band, which includes drummer Vinnie Lamandri. This free Concert is open to all. The Vernon Methodist Church is located on the corner of Church Street and Route 94. The address is 303 State Route 94.