It's a Big Band New Year's Eve in Newberry | Arts & Culture

The magic of small town charm and the excitement of Dick Goodwin’s Big Band combine for a fabulous evening of great music, delectable food and drink and beautiful dance as the Newberry Opera House throws it's annual New Year’s Eve bash – and you are invited!

The Dick Goodwin Big Band will offer a smorgasbord of musical delights as they highlight the music for dance throughout the ages. From Strauss waltzes to the Charleston to the Funky Chicken, the melding of motion and melody will take center stage in the historic Opera House. Dancers will perform and the audience is encouraged to join in.

Serena Hill, an active performer, and Professor of Music at Coker College will sing both popular and operatic tunes. Hill has recently been featured in works such as Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Creation and Seasons, Brahm’s Requiem, Vaughan William’s Dona Nobis Pacem and Handel’s Samson. She has performed with the South Carolina Philharmonic and Firenze Lirica. Hill’s recital engagements include performances in both Italy and Spain. Her opera credits include Micaela (Carmen), Lady with the Cake Box (Postcard from Morocco), Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus), Fiordiligi (Cosi fan tutte), Countess (Le Nozze di Figaro), and Pamina (Die Zauberflöte). She has sung with Opera at USC, Opera in the Ozarks, Studio Lirico, Greenville Light Opera, Central Florida Lyric Opera, and Piccolo Players.

Clay Brown, is a Florence native who began performing in New York and New Jersey in 1968 and returned to Florence in 1974. He has recorded two CDs, “A Tribute to A Few of the Greats,” and “Inspirational Mood. “A Tribute includes popular music, such as Georgia On My Mind, Wonderful World, Great Pretender and Unforgettable. One NY critic called Brown ..”a very soulful crossover..who charms.”

The evening will continue from 8 to midnight, with the music interspersed with receptions and fun food and wine with a dessert and champagne reception leading up to a grand finale in Memorial Square opposite the Opera House, punctuated by fireworks, Auld Lang Syne, God Bless America and many surprises. What a way to kick off the New Year!

Black tie attire is encouraged for the festive evening. Dinner packages with Steven W’s, are available, and a package including an overnight stay at the downtown Hampton Inn is also available.

For a memorable evening of great music and great fun please call the Box Office at 803-276-6264 or visit the Newberry Opera House in historic downtown Newberry or online at www.newberryoperahouse.com