*Los Angeles – Kids and their parents/guardians were all smiles throughout the Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration presented by Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, 8th District, and the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall. This spectacular event was made possible through the sponsorship of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, 7 Eleven and Community Coalition.
It was a bright, beautiful, sunny day in South Los Angeles, as thousands showed up to enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family, Saturday, December 9, 2017, from 12:00pm-4:00pm. Activities included sledding, snow play area, delicious S’more bar, toys, t-shirts, Santa’s hats, Christmas trees and gift cards giveaways that enhanced the program.
Kids were engaged with Holiday theme arts and crafts. Families lined up for photos in a huge Santa’s chair. Check your email or snail mail for Photo greeting cards that originated from this event.
If that wasn’t enough, McDonald’s gave away coupons for a free holiday treat and apple pies. Metro Kidz- Outreach for Inner City Kids were also in the house to engage kids and to hand out gifts.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration was hosted by Tammi Mac from KJLH’s radio free 102.3FM (Mac and Amiche Show), and Bobo from the very popular Steve Harvey Morning Show. You can only image how hilarious this duo were to entertain and engage the throngs of people gathered this afternoon.
Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Rachel Freeman-(Capri Capital Partners), Manager of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw welcomed the crowd and thanked their sponsors for their generosity in the success of this annual event for the community. DJ Chris Breezy was at the helm of the ones and twos providing soulful, upbeat tunes for the occasion.
Crenshaw Elite Choir, under the direction of Iris Stevenson McCullough was the opening group of the afternoon. The award winning group performed several Holiday tunes. Vocalist Perisha McLaughlin stood out as she dedicated “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson.
Justin Sky came out to perform several tunes, followed by several audience members participating in Musical chairs for prizes. A different group showed their freestyle dance moves during the Dance off contest for a chance to win a Christmas tree and other gifts.
The crowd and I were in for a treat with a live performance from Saving Forever a talented rock band from South Chicago. The band consist of three brothers, Khaden (lead vocals and guitar), Kye (bass/vocals), and Kavah Harris (guitar/vocals). Keeping time/beats were Alexey on drums. The self taught musicians cut a demo that caught the attention of Epic/Sony Records Label. The band lit the stage with their awesome energy to wow the crowd with several tunes. Their opened their set with “What Christmas Means to Me,” followed by their debut hit “Twenty 1.” They continued to rock the stage during their high octane set with the tunes “Ain’t it Fun,” “Always in My Mind,” and a popular tune that you most definitely heard on a Taco Bell commercial, “Million Ways.” They slowed the tempo down on “Memories” another original tune before taking the crowd on a musical journey with “American Women,” and “Hey Joe.” I look forward to following them as their career progresses in the entertainment industry.
The Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw concluded on a high note of harmony. The beautiful quintet of retro holiday carolers The Noelles left the crowd and I in awe with their beautifully arranged a Capella reminiscent of a bygone era. They thrilled the audience with some classic Christmas carols and holiday hits in their soulful, sparkling style. The tunes performed were “Just Another Christmas Song,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Christmas,” “This Christmas,” Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “White Christmas.”
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. contact him via: [email protected]
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