12/13/07
Manning UMC shows its Christmas spirit in concert
By Jerriod Grizzle

JERRIOD GRIZZLE/Manning Times

Burgess Sprott, Brenda Brewer, Linzy Washington, Karen Washington, Michelle Brewer, Crystal Garrett and Debra Quilling take a bow Dec. 5 at Manning United Methodist Church after the Christmas Concert.

Residents of Clarendon County got one of their first tastes of seasonal music this year with a concert at Manning United Methodist Dec. 5.
Performers Linzy and Karen Washington along with Burgess Sprott, Michelle Brewer, Rev. Debra Quilling and Miss South Carolina, Crystal Garrett took center stage Wednesday night singing songs of love and inspiration as well as seasonal classical tunes.
“Medley from Porgy and Bess,” sang by Linzy and Karen Washington in the songs of love portion of the program brought a smile to everyone’s face as Linzy gathered himself on one knee as “Porgy” and proposed to his wife as “Bess.”
Within the songs of love portion of the program was also a performance by Garrett who sang “Amazing Grace,” one of her favorite songs. The song brought some of the audience members to tears as the soulful rendition resonated through the church.
Another portion of the show featured songs of faith and featured Burgess Sprott who sang “He Choose Me.” Sprott, a tenor, sang a lighter version of the piece, which was a unique part in the concert.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone,” was also a crowd favorite by Karen Washington. Washington’s eight-octave range made the song uniquely hers, hitting notes in perfect harmony with her accompanist.
The last portion of the concert consisted of Christmas songs. By crowd reaction, this was the favorite portion of the night.
Karen Washington’s “Ave Maria,” a song she has made uniquely hers, brought down the house with loud applause and cheers.
Another crowd favorite was “Mary Did You Know,” sung by Michelle Brewer. The song highlighted a conversation with Jesus’ mother Mary, telling her the good new of her son’s miracles.
Brewer’s strong voice and clear vocals made the church resound with the Christmas spirit.
The mood of the event dropped into a more sacred space with Debra Quilling’s “Oh Holy Night.” The sweet slow hymn is always a Christmas concert favorite.
Garrett, Brewer and Sprott matched in perfect harmony in their performance of “What Child is This?” The mixture of vocals in ranges of tenors and altos made the crowd smile with delight as they listened to the song that has been called the Christmas Story set to music.
The concert had two standing ovations, one for “Jesus, What A Wonderful Child” sung by the Washington’s and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Garrett.
Washington’s rendition created the first standing ovation with crowd members clapping and singing along.
Garrett’s traditional version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” though the last song of the concert, seemed to liven the mood of the performance from one of spiritual and reflective to one of traditional Christmas joy. After the concert performers were bombarded with congratulations and thanks.
“It was awesome,” said Peggy Gardner, a retired schoolteacher.
Gardner said she came because of family and friends but that she would have come without knowing anyone.
The performers congratulated each other as well as it was the first time some of them had sung together.
“Crystal Garrett is my home girl,” said Karen Washington.
Washington complimented Garrett on her vocals and talent. She said she could understand why Garrett was named Miss South Carolina with her attitude and personality.
Coordinator of Auxiliary Services for Clarendon School District 2, Todd Heldreth, said that he was very happy and surprised at the turn out.
“It is a very good turn out. This is definitely an event we want to keep going through the Character Counts Weeks,” he said.