Holiday songs, warm hearts. Caroling options start this week.
When Victoria Sturman stood singing and listening to a crowd of thousands at the annual Carolcade singalong on East Aurora’s Main Street last year, it made her tear up to hear a chorus of voices belt out classics like Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, Silent Night and Joy to the World. After a pandemic hiatus, the holiday song tradition was especially moving. This year, it’s back for the 50th annual gathering from 7 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17.
“I got choked up many, many times just seeing everybody back together again,” said Sturman, the executive director of the East Aurora Chamber of Commerce, as she remembered last years’ experience. The singing season is officially underway and there are even more local caroling options to consider. At least two start this week.
Warm up the vocal cords without worrying what you sound like at the third-annual Night of Bad Caroling, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at the Flying Bison Brewery in Larkinville at 840 Seneca St. The free event was founded by Lou Iannone, director of the Buffalo Heavies, a Scottish games team. Money raised helps support a year of competition and makes room for anyone who loves holiday song.
“I came up with the Night of Bad Caroling because I cannot sing. I have the worst voice in the world, but I love doing it,” said Iannone. The evening is divided into half hours with song lyrics projected on a screen and breaks for trivia and ugly Christmas sweater contests. “We don’t do anything tricky,” said Iannone. As the night comes to an end, people can pick what songs they’d like to sing. “It’s kind of carolers choice,” said Iannone. If you want to sing, we will. If you don’t, go get a drink.”
Tree of Light, Photos by the Martin House
More options include singing at the Martin House, 125 Jewett Parkway, which hosts free caroling by the Buffalo Girlchoir during its Tree of Light festivities from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Details here: martinhouse.org. On Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4, the Red Blazers Men’s Chorus concerts are $10 a ticket and start at 2 p.m. at Sweet Home Middle School, 4150 Maple Road in Amherst. Details here: redblazersmenschorus.com. Both include a short interlude for the audience to join in and carol. “It’s mostly lighthearted,” said Tim Socha, the accompanist and St. Joseph’s Cathedral organist and choir director.
For more concerts featuring concerts and carol services at local churches and other venues, check the listings at the Greater Buffalo Friends of Music website.
For Sturman, the holiday song at East Aurora’s annual gathering of carolers was cheering. People put politics and differences aside and came together to celebrate the season. “I was blown away,” she said. “It was just fun and community and people being pleasant and getting together and celebrating.”
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