It's going to be a blue Christmas in Opelika--bluegrass that is.
As part of "Christmas in a Railroad Town," downtown Opelika is hosting the Bluegrass Christmas Concert at Transformations Life Center Dec. 9 from 6-9 p.m.
"There'll be some traditional Christmas carols being played by a four-man bluegrass band," said Ann Stroud, concert coordinator. "It will be a free way for the community to start celebrating for Christmas. 'Christmas in a Railroad Town' is a traditional Opelika event, but this is the first time we're having the band here."
The Bluegrass Christmas Concert features the local band WireGrass.
"We wanted a name that was fairly local," said Philip Stroud, WireGrass banjo player and Ann's husband. "The Wiregrass is a little south of here. We were thinking about calling ourselves Grassaholics Anonymous, but that wouldn't work with the kids."
Through his wife's work with Transformations, Philip and his band were contacted to perform at the event.
"Transformations asked us to do this because they're a new and upcoming business," Philip said. "A psychologist owns it, and she promotes well-being. We promote what she loves, and that's music. She could probably have had any group come in there to perform, but I think the kind of music we play is really upbeat, foot-stomping, high energy and loud."
The band formed when three of its members who worked together were asked to play some carols at an office party. Philip said this concert will take them back to those roots.
"When we play at Transformations this time, we'll be playing Christmas music, which is real fun," Philip said. "Between the songs we'll be doing hardcore bluegrass. We're usually real high-energy, and of course we'll take requests."
Ken Prestridge, the band's guitarist and lead singer, said the music selection will combine bluegrass classics and holiday favorites with Opelika's history as a railroad town.
"About a third of them will be Christmas carols, a third will be bluegrass instrumentals, and a third will be bluegrass vocals," Prestridge said. "Going with the theme that was suggested, we're doing a lot of train songs."
As the wife of a member and a Transformations employee, Ann has the responsibility of both hosting and promoting the event.
"I think downtown Opelika is taking on a new flavor than what we are used to around here," Ann said. "I hope it's a nice beginning to the Christmas season and that people can come to see what downtown Opelika has to offer."
Philip encouraged college students to attend the concert for an authentic bluegrass experience.
"If they haven't heard this music, when it's played in front of their face they'll fall in love with it," Philip said. "If college kids come to see us, they are more than welcome to sing along or play along if they have a guitar. I don't mind jamming."
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