The Chorus of Westerly sings Christmas pops

Santa has not ignored the Chorus of Westerly!

First of all, St. Nick gave the present of well-earned retirement to founder/longtime director George Kent. Then, he blessed the chorus and their fans with their own gift: a new director named Andrew Howell.

And now, the giving continues. On Sunday, Howell takes the stage to conduct his first Chorus of Westerly Christmas Pops concerts - at 4 and 6 p.m. Sunday in the George Kent Performance Hall in Westerly. It's the second production of Howell's debut season, and attendees can expect a mix of old and new holiday fare, ranging from "Sleigh Ride" and "White Christmas" to excerpts from "The Nutcracker."

Santa himself typically attends these events, which is a fine recommendation, indeed. There will also be a chorus fundraiser, "Ribbons and Bows," with several cool items available in a raffle.

- RICK KOSTER

Chorus of Westerly's Christmas Pops Concert, 4 and 6 p.m. Sunday, George Kent Performance Hall, 119 High St., Westerly; $25-$70; "Ribbons and Bows" raffle tickets, three for $20, available at the performance and in advance at the performance hall box office; (401) 596-8663, chorusofwesterly.org.