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As we come ever close to Christmas time, concerts and events are becoming ever more prevalent. Fresno in particular holds several events which are a must attend opportunity to the citizens of this community.

The main event following Thanksgiving is called the Messiah Sing-Along. It was started by Sam Barkman 38 years ago who directed it for 20 years, where upon his retirement the new worship leader of The First Presbyterian Church, Dr. Julie Carter took his place. It is currently in its 38th annual event and is looked forward to by hundreds, the average attendance is between 600-700.

Director Julie Carter, has been directing this event for the past 18 years and every year she looks forward to directing and putting the event together.

“I love directing the orchestra because they are all professionals,” Carter said. “Along with the orchestra, our church is oblong, which creates a delay, making it quite a difficult task to keep everyone together. Unlike most performances of the Messiah, anyone in the community has the chance be apart of it. Along with just singing parts of it, the audience also has the chance to sing the solo’s. This is unheard of because of the level of difficulty which the piece is.”

The event is free yet the event planners request for people to bring canned goods for the needy. Gottschalks Music Store in Clovis sells Messiah scores at the door for $10 and following the sing-along is an event called soup-along. It is put on by the church worship ministry team and a small donation is collected at the door.

The event begins at 3 p.m., yet for good seating, it is advised to arrive an hour early. Along with the Messiah, Fresno is holding a multitude of events, each with a similar rich history. The Feather hopes that the students and readers will attend the Messiah or one of the following Christmas concerts.

Nov. 30: Messiah Sing-along, 3 p.m. First Presbyterian church
Dec. 5: Women?s and Men?s Choir from Fresno Pacific University present their concert at 7:30 p.m. at Butler Mennonite Church. Call the FPU Music dept. for more info.
Dec. 6: Fresno Philharmonic Christmas Concert.
Dec. 6: San Joaquin Chorale and Fresno Pacific Concert Choir present a Christmas concert at the Shagoian Hall, 7:30pm.
Dec. 8: Fresno Christian JH/HS program, 8 p.m.
Dec. 14: Bach Children?s Choirs Christmas Concert at First Presbyterian Church, performances at 4 and 6 p.m.
Dec. 13: Earl Meyer?s Christmas concert.
Dec. 24: First Presbyterian Church Christmas Eve services: 4 p.m. Children?s service, 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. choir, orchestra, message.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @J0sh_Carter.

For more news, read the Nov. 24 article, Fall sports athletes awarded at sports banquet.