The Amarillo Symphony’s annual Happy Holiday Pops returns this weekend, with performances set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. The concert promises “favorite holiday music, featuring a mix of carols, timeless classics, and an interactive sing-a-long,” according to the Symphony. The Amarillo Master Chorale and vocalist Annika Spalding will guest, and the orchestra will be conducted by Christopher Confessore.
With the help of Sammy Carter, the Symphony’s marketing director, I asked several long-time musicians their favorite part about this Christmas treat. (Comments have been edited and condensed.)
Tiffany McDaniel, Violin I, 27-year veteran: “My favorite part about the Happy Holiday Pops concerts is seeing whole families coming together, dressed in their holiday clothes, enjoying the music together. Another highlight is seeing Santa Claus and the excitement the kids have when he shows up!”
William Takacs, principal trumpet, 24-year veteran: “My favorite part about playing in Happy Holiday Pops is all the festive cheer and nostalgia the music brings. I am a Christmas music and film-score junkie, so my favorites are the pieces from Home Alone and The Polar Express, and you can never beat the old classic “Sleigh Ride!” I practice my horse whinney all year long for my moment in the sun!”
Irma-Esther Borup, viola, 17-year veteran: “Having been a part of Happy Holiday Pops from the beginning, it has been a real joy watching the community embrace this tradition year after year. Personally, there’s a warmth during each performance that really drives that Christmas magic home. It’s such a special part of my holiday season.”
Kellie Bartley, horn, 18-year veteran: “What makes these concerts special for me is looking out into the audience from the stage and seeing a hall filled with kids and young families all dressed up for the season. I like knowing that this beautiful performance may be their first time hearing a live symphony orchestra.”
Tickets are $29 and up for adults and $18 and up for children. Call 806-376-8782.
This week’s other can’t-miss options:
Christmas in the Gardens: 6 to 8:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 23, then Dec. 27; 1400 Streit Drive; admission free for members, $10 nonmembers; 806-352-6513
Amarillo Lights at Maxwell’s: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday through Tuesday; admission $22.95; 12908 S. Bell St.; 806-373-9600
Amazing Art Expo: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St.; free, VIP tickets available; 806-378-3096
Christmas Candlelight Concerts: 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday; Amarillo Little Theatre Allen Shankles Mainstage, 2019 Civic Center; ticket prices vary
Casey Berry: 9 p.m. Friday; Western Horseman Club, 2501 E. Interstate 40; 806-379-6555, Ext. 2999
Cole Edward Phillips with Cela Harper: 9 p.m. Friday; Golden Light Cantina, 2906 S.W. Sixth Ave.; cover
Dueling Pianos: 10:30 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday; 609 S. Independence St.; 806-412-4251
Ian Nicholas: 8 p.m. Saturday; Old Tascosa Brewing Co., 3100 S.W. Sixth Ave.; 806-681-4050
Next to Kin: 8:30 p.m. Saturday; Hoot’s Pub, 2424 Hobbs Road; cover
Moon Dog: 9 p.m. Saturday; Broken Spoke Lounge, 3101 S.W. Sixth Ave.; no cover; 806-373-9149
Sam Riggs:10 p.m. Saturday; Western Horseman Club, 2501 E. Interstate 40; 806-379-6555, Ext. 2999
Amarillo Bombers vs. Boulder United: 3 p.m. Sunday; Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St.; tickets $20.50; 806-376-3096
DC Young Fly: 7 p.m. Sunday; Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St.; tickets $66 to $83; 806-378-3096
Movie options:
New releases: Sci-fi sequel Avatar: Fire and Ash, spiritual animated film David, horror flick The Housemaid and animated sequel The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (Cinemark Hollywood 16, 9100 Canyon Drive, and Cinergy, 9201 Cinergy Square)
Special engagements: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Tuesday, Cinergy); Sense and Sensibility 30th anniversary screenings (Tuesday and Wednesday, Cinemark Hollywood 16); Elf (Wednesday, Cinemark Hollywood 16); Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Saturday, Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive)
