Columbia, S.C. - (November 24, 2014) The 48th Annual Governor's Carolighting announced today that the Hallelujah Singers, the nationally-acclaimed spiritual Gullah ensemble, will participate in this year's festivities.
The style of the Hallelujah Singers is reflected by the unique Lowcountry heritage of the Gullah people, and celebrates their culture, music and storytelling traditions. Dr. Marlena Smalls, founder and director of the Hallelujah Singers, has toured both nationally and internationally, having performed for such dignitaries as the Queen of England, and Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
Designated as a South Carolina Legacy by the Library of Congress, the Hallelujah Singers have received many awards and recognitions, including the South Carolina Folk Heritage Advocacy Award, South Carolina Governor's Award for the Arts (Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Award), and recognition as the South Carolina Ambassador of the Year.
A longtime family tradition, Carolighting brings all South Carolinians together to celebrate the lighting of the South Carolina's official Christmas tree. Choirs from across the state will perform, including the Southern Bronze Handbell Ensemble, the chorus ensembles from the University of South Carolina and Clemson University, and the Carolighting Children's Choir. The Fort Jackson 282nd Band Brass Choir will lead carolers in a selection of traditional favorites.
The 2014 Carolighting will be held Monday, December 1 at 6:30 PM on the north lawn of the South Carolina State House.
The public event will also be broadcast live to viewers throughout the state by the South Carolina ETV.
The 48th Annual Governor's Carolighting is sponsored by the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitor Bureau, Columbia Garden Club and the Garden Club of South Carolina.
The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is a private, not-for-profit corporation funded primarily by revenue generated by visitors through accommodations taxes and is the parent organization of Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area's economy by marketing and selling of the entire Columbia region, its accommodations, restaurants, facilities and attractions as a destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel. For more information, please visit columbiacvb.com.