Estelle lights the stage for Winter Wonderland

CHRISTIAN RETREAT — East County residents and friends will have a chance to kick off the holiday season with a concert of Christmas fun this weekend.

Professional pianist Randy Estelle will present “Randy Estelle’s Grand Christmas Winter Wonderland” Nov. 25-26, at Christian Retreat, 1200 Glory Way.

The concert will feature about 30 cast members, including Estelle and Christian Retreat’s Jannette Derstine, who will be one of four pianists playing grand pianos in concert as part of the show. Other musicians and vocalists will participate as well, bringing to life many holiday favorites, as well as some original pieces.

Show times are 7 p.m. Nov. 25, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 26. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of each show. Tickets cost $18 at the door, or less for groups of two or more, if pre-ordered.

“It’s a tremendous way to celebrate the Christmas season,” Estelle said. “It’s a very, very exuberant show, but at the same time, it has a lot of meaning to it. You can face the (holiday) shopping with renewed vigor (after it).

“We make it snow during the show,” he said, noting Frosty the Snowman also will make an appearance and will be on-hand for photographs after performances. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s designed for the family.”

Proceeds from the show will benefit Circle, a school for arts and media training run by Estelle and his wife, Lisa, through their organization, Courtyard Media Ministries.

Two of Estelle’s piano students — Southeast High School’s Anna Shah and State College of Florida’s Cassidy Johnson, of Parrish — will complete the piano foursome performing on stage, and other students at the school also will be participating.

Estelle said the show not only provides family fun for East County residents this holiday season, but also it provides a valuable training opportunity for students at Circle.

“It allows the students to work right alongside professionals,” he said. “It’s tremendous experience for them.”

Estelle said he has offered a similar Christmas shows in year’s past, but this year’s Winter Wonderland performance will feature new songs, high-end lighting and other new features to make it even more entertaining.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

IF YOU GO
What: Randy Estelle’s Grand Christmas Winter Wonderland
When: Nov. 25-26
Where: Christian Retreat Auditorium, 1200 Glory Way Blvd.
Show times: 7 p.m. Nov. 25-26; and 2 p.m. Nov. 26
Details: Two-hour piano concert and show, with 15 minute intermission. Show features 30 cast members, including guest vocalist Karen Jackson, a visit by Frosty the Snowman and more.
Cost: Individual tickets cost $18; Groups single tickets are $18 at the door Group and family rates available.
Info or tickets: www.randyestellelive.com

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