Community partners spread holiday cheer in gala celebration

As promised, Peace on Earth: A Gala Celebration of the Arts and Humanities proved to be this holiday season's can't-miss spectacular. Hosted by the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), the event took place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Von Braun Center Concert Hall.

"The show was a hit with the audience and the performers alike," says Dr. David Ragsdale, Chair of the Department of Music. "We enjoyed collaborating with our community partners in the arts and bringing a unique and epic holiday event to the city of Huntsville for the second year in a row."

Peace on Earth was headlined by country music sensation Lee Greenwood, but a variety of the city's arts organizations took part in the extravaganza. These included faculty and students from UAH's Department of Music, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, the Huntsville Community Chorus, the Huntsville Ballet, the First Baptist Church Mosaic Ringers, and Randolph School's Young Voices.

"The highlight for me was seeing our student musicians perform side by side with professionals," says Dr. Ragsdale. "Their world opened up a little bit that night and they caught a glimpse of real life in the music industry. That's an extraordinary educational opportunity that cannot easily be duplicated and will never be forgotten."

As for Greenwood, Dr. Ragsdale calls him "a terrific entertainer – engaging, extremely musical, and easy to work with." During the star's two 25-minute sets, audience members were treated to a selection of his classic hits, including "Wind Beneath My Wings" and "God Bless the USA."

"Lee delivered a solid show that struck exactly the right tone," says Dr. Ragsdale. "He was uplifting and genuine with a warm message of peace for the holidays. He was a perfect choice for this edition of Peace on Earth!"

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