Jubilation Jazz brings ‘Joy’

Area musicians put a little swing into the Christmas season

By RALPH HARDIN

ralphhardin@gmail.com

If you love music, Jesus and the holiday season, then Jubilation Jazz might be right for you!

The big band, made up of musicians from Crittenden County and across Arkansas, has been making the rounds this past two weeks with their annual Christmas-themed concert series “Joy,” which has already included stops in Walnut Ridge, Cordova, Paragould and this past Friday night in Marion.

Band leader Wally Fowler of Marion and his crew lit up the stage at Marion First Baptist Church with their holiday-inspired music showcase, featuring popular tunes such as “Mary Did You Know?,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Joy to the World,” and a medley of traditional Christmas carol favorites. There was even a special guest appearance from Charlie Brown and his signature Christmas tree!

If you want to catch the show, you’ve still got a chance. Tonight, at 6:30 p.m., the band will be at the First Baptist Church of West Memphis, 200 N. Missouri St. Admission is free and no tickets are required.

The Jubilation Jazz band consists of band directors, retired band directors, retired military musicians and other professional musicians who donate their time, travel expenses and musical abilities to share God’s message. For more information about the band, visit www.jubilationjazz.com.

Wally Fowler (in red) leads the band in Jubilation Jazz’s “Joy,” a holiday-themed concert as Marion First Baptist Church.

Photos by Ralph Hardin

Not only do you get jazz, swing and pop, but also a little classical guitar.

Who doesn’t like a little sax for Christmas?

Fowler and singer Shelly Hardin duet on “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”