Tree Lighting and Noontime Concerts Highlight Holiday Season at City Hall

Mayor Bill White invites Houstonians to get into the holiday spirit with a festive Noontime Concert Series this week outside City Hall and the annual Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting and Celebration  featuring Grammy Award-winning songwriter/recording artist Peabo Bryson on Friday, November 30 at 6 p.m.

Music, fireworks, entertainment and the lighting of the City’s official holiday tree will take place in Hermann Square.  In addition to Bryson and KHOU TV’s Debra Duncan, the celebration will include performances by Grupo Kache, the Bayou City Chorale, The Woodlands Dance Company, Planet Funk,  the Star of Hope Voices of Hope Choir, and the Parker Elementary School Chorus. There will also be a special guest appearance by Santa Claus.

The official tree sponsor is Reliant Energy. Other sponsors for this year’s event include KHOU TV/Channel 11, the Downtown District, Houston Public Libraries and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.   The noontime concerts are being held November 26-28 on the stage at City Hall, 901 Bagby. Local artists and musicians will perform live as downtown workers brown bag it around the pool.  

The lineup includes:    

• November 26th - Jazz Raptors featuring Brennan Nace, who has played with many greats such as, Clark Terry, Carl Phontana,  Harvey Mason, Nathan East, Bob James, Bob Menza, Bill Wattruss, Kirk Whalum, Dave Liebman, Ed Calle, Dudley Moore, Peabo Bryson, Warren Hill, Bobby Lyle, Joe Sample and many more.
• November 27th - The Viva Voce Holiday Carolers, Christmas caroling in Victorian Costumes.
• November 28th - Divisi String Trio performing holiday music.  Divisi Strings is a young, diverse group of musicians whose goal is to provide stunning music for all events.