Somers Dream Orchestra presents the big band holiday concert

Proceeds to benefit Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and the SCCC Foundation NEWTON — The Performing Arts Center at Sussex County Community College will be the venue for the Somers Dream Orchestra’s The Big Band Holiday - The Tradition Continues on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the SCCC Box Office at 973-300-3171 or www.sussex.edu. “Pre-event ticket purchases are encouraged as these performances sell out quickly. Somers Dream Orchestra’s Big Band Holiday event attracts families from throughout the Tri-State area for this festive production,” said Bryan Zellmer, Assistant Director of Cultural Affairs for SCCC. Proceeds from this concert will benefit Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and the SCCC Foundation. The holiday musical tour features The Somers Dream Orchestra led by John Somers, and is highlighted by vocal sensation Keaton Douglas. Somers Dream Orchestra is a high-energy 18-piece Big Band from New Jersey and blends the talents of their professional musicians with those of local student choral groups. Featured at this year’s performances will be choirs from Wallkill Valley Regional High School, Saturday at the 2 p.m. show; Newton High School, at the 7 p.m. show and the Halsted Middle School on Sunday at the 3 p.m. show, plus other holiday surprises. The orchestra was born in 1995; the dream of its leader, trumpeter, and founder, John M. Somers of Matawan. John handpicked all the musicians based on three criteria: personality, musicianship and their love for music. The musicians were then asked to purchase their respective seats from the Parent Corporation, T.G. Entertainment, Ltd. making this orchestra possibly the only corporately owned Big Band in the nation. Somers Dream Orchestra was catapulted to national prominence by their critically acclaimed CD, “A Mid-Somers Night Dream,” where the orchestra performs the best of classic and contemporary swing. “This year’s Big Band Holiday Concert represents the 20th annual Holiday Traditions event in this area and the our partnership with Sussex County Community College is a perfect way to bring the community together in celebration with festive music and to kick-off the joyful season,” said Dr. Roxanne Debski-Seigel, Director of Marketing and Advancement for Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation. The proceeds from this annual event are divided equally between Hospice and the SCCC Foundation. The SCCC Foundation proceeds support student scholarships which are awarded twice a year for Fall and Spring semesters. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice will utilize event proceeds to support the future of hospice and be used to help build the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice - the next project to assist hospice families and their loved ones. The home is to be built on 9+ acres in Fredon that displays magnificent views and will provide a complete continuum of hospice care in a serene pastoral surrounding with a homelike atmosphere. Area school details Wallkill Valley Regional High School 2 p.m. show on Saturday, Dec. 10 Christine Molnar, Music Instructor Wallkill Valley Regional High School 10 Grumm Road, Hamburg, 07419 973-827-4100 cmolnarmusic@aol.com Newton High School 7 p.m. show on Saturday, Dec. 10 Butch Diminico, Music Director Newton High School 44 Ryerson Ave Newton, 07860 973-383-1900 jdiminico@newtonnj.org Halsted Middle School 3 p.m. show on Sunday, Dec. 11 Kara Edelheiser, Music Instructor Halsted Middle School 59 Halsted Street, Newton, 07860 973-383-7440 kedelheiser@newtonnj.org