NATCHITOCHES –The 14th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Multicultural Christmas Concert was held Tuesday at Treen Auditorium at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. The event was a benefit concert for the local nonprofit organization Cane River Children’s Services and was sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center, the NSU Center for Inclusion and Diversity, and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.
The concert featured an array of both sacred and secular Christmas performances. Performances included seasonal songs performed by Natchitoches Central High School student Camin Cooper, Justin Cruse-Ivy, Susan Ferrant-Gros, Louisiana Scholars’ College student Jocelyn Laviolette, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts students Kate Peterson and Summerlyn Schwartz, and the Natchitoches Choir of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accompanied by Sienna Henderson on cello and Dr. Jim Picht of the Louisiana Scholars’ College on piano. There was also a seasonal reading by Donna Baker, the new Head Archivist of Northwestern State University’s Cammie G. Henry Research Center; dancing by NSU student Hunter Bell, the Dazzling Dance Divas, choreographed by Brittney Byrd, and the Thistle Dancers and Pipers under the direction of Susan W. Hyams accompanied by L. Collier Hyams, NSU Professor of Art; cello performances by NSU Middle Lab student Jackson Daniel “J.D.” Henderson and NCHS student Sienna Henderson; a violin performance by NSU Middle Lab student June Yao; and a special musical performance by the Moondog Brothers, Rodney Harrington and Henry Reggans. The evening’s festivities concluded with a group singing of “Silent Night,” accompanied by Reggans on piano.
Many individuals also played a major part in the event’s success. Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., gave a warm welcome to the attendees. Jennifer Karle, CEO of Cane River Children’s Services, gave important information to attendees on the organization’s mission. The Louisiana Folklife Center staff, comprised of NSU students Aaron Malone and Starla Williams, graduate assistant Zoe Hebert, as well as administrative coordinator Bessie Jones, planned and promoted the event. The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts hosted the event, with Karn Richoux supervising, and AV technician Jackson Holoubek running technical support.
“This year’s concert was magnificent,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Professor of English and Director of the Louisiana Folklife Center. “The joy of the performers perfectly captured the spirit of the season in all its cheer and wonder. That these artists volunteer to perform, freely donating their time and talents for the benefit of others, is what the season is all about! And we are so honored to be able to support such a worthy cause as Cane River Children’s Services. We are already looking forward to next year’s event!”
Those wishing to donate to Cane River Children’s Services may do so by contacting CEO Jennifer Karle at (318) 352-9349 or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 2453, Natchitoches, LA 71457.
Caption
Performers in the 14th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Multicultural Christmas Concert held in the Treen Auditorium at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts present a group sing along of “Silent Night” to conclude the concert.
Photo by Kevin Shannahan
