As someone who was born the day after Christmas, media personality Krista Joy love to sing Christmas tunes.
She thinks a good Christmas song can brighten anyone’s day and puts them in a merry mood during the holidays.
During the “Twinkle Lights and Holiday Nights: A Winter Wonderland Concert,” happening from 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 10, Joy will be joined by pianist Kevin O’Connell for the holiday music performance at The Villages Public Library at Pinellas Plaza, 7375 Powell Road, Wildwood.
“I anticipate the audience will enjoy the beautiful medleys and mash ups of their favorite Christmas songs. Kevin has prepared some fantastic arrangements for us that everyone will love to sing along to,” Joy said.
“Our song selection is stellar, and I look forward to bringing everyone a lot of Christmas joy.”
Joy said she gets her “joy” from performing upbeat Christmas songs when she’s in front of a crowd. She also enjoys being able to remind them what Christmas is all about.
“A whole new year is on the way. It is a wonderful time for me to consider the miracle of my savior, who came to earth as a tiny baby boy,” Joy said. “Each and every day feels like a miracle to me. But at Christmas…it’s like the whole world stops for a moment to remember a miracle.”
“Christmas means so much to me,” she continued. “I think as an adult, we get a mixture of happy and sad feelings because we are missing loved ones and feeling nostalgic. At the same time, I like to look at it as a fresh start.”
While Joy belts out the tunes, behind her will be an accomplished musician in O’Connell, who has played the piano since 1979 and has played alongside many talented performers over the years — including Joan Rivers, Bobby Rydell, Julius LaRosa, Henny Youngman, Pat Cooper, and Soupy Sale.
“He is so incredibly gifted with music and playing the piano,” Joy said of the piano player, who she’s shared the stage with for two years. “We are a good musical team because he is a very serious, educated, musician and teacher.
He taught music for years,” Joy said.
“My style is more casual and care-free. Kevin is such a pro — he can still accompany me on piano when I go outside the lines. He raises the bar and always makes me want to do better. We are a fantastic balance for each other professionally.”
During the winter concert, guests will hear many classic Christmas songs, like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” with a country twist.
With singing and Christmas being a strong part of Joy’s personality, she said singing Christmas songs takes her back to her childhood.
“My mother tells me I have been singing since I could talk,” she said with a laugh. “It’s part of the fabric of who I am. It is an experience like no other, something I hope I never take for granted.”
Registration for the upcoming event is closed due to filled seats.
For more information about the show or other happenings at the library, visit sumter
county.librarycalendar.com.
A Winter Wonderland Concert
If you can’t make it to the upcoming Plantation Lake Brass performance or want to add other holiday shows to your calendar, here are more musical events coming to the The Villages Public Library at Pinellas Plaza, 7375 Powell Road, Wildwood:
“Leesah Stiles presents Variety Music Show”
Dec. 5, 2 to 3 p.m.
“Oldies by Goodies”
Dec. 17, 2 to 3 p.m.
“West African Kora (harp)”
Jan. 8, 2 to 3 p.m.Also pay attention to the holiday music shows coming to the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Leesburg:
“Lake County Ladies Chorus – Holiday Performance,”
Dec. 4, 1 to 2 p.m.
“Jane Rosenbohm – A Guitar for Christmas,”
Dec. 6, 1 to 2 p.m.
“Living By the Stream – Holiday Performance”
Dec. 7, 1 to 2 p.m.
“A Christmas Carol with Duffy Hudson”
Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“Shannon Rae and Daniel the Saxman – Holiday Duets”
Dec. 21, 1 to 2 p.m.
(Registration is required for each event.)
