Downtown is aglow with Christmas lights, creating a magical visual of delightful Christmas scenery. George Streetfest is delivering the goods to bring people out and fill the streets with holiday cheer. From great music, warm wassail, fire barrels, the Gingerbread Tour, amazing prize drawings, continuous entertainment, and St. Nick himself, this is the place to kick off Christmas in Dixie.
One of southern Utah’s most recognizable favorites, Soul What!? returns to the Main Street stage to play the December George Streetfest. Multiple requests for the band to return to the downtown party have been heard. Soul What!? plays a high-energy show filled with classic R&B and funk from greats like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Steve Wonder, and more. They also include newer soul artists like Joss Stone, Duffy, and Adele.
Soul What!? is comprised of four passionate musicians bringing years of collective international experience and a shared passion for adventure in all pursuits. Mike Moulton (guitar), Alice Ericksen (vocals), Elaine Stoddard (bass), and Chris Flaig (drums) create a colorful landscape of funk rhythms, soulful harmonies, and masterful guitar leads and put on a show guaranteed to get the audience moving.
“Soul What!? invites all friends, fans, and festive frolickers to the Main Stage Friday night at 9 p.m.,” states Alice Ericksen. “We’ll turn up the funky heat so you can dance your boots off!”
The Jazz Garden will showcase the romantic crooner, Jim Griffiths. Often compared to the likes of Mel Tormé and Tony Bennett, Jim Griffiths has been singing jazz ballads and swing numbers for more than 50 years. His smooth vocal stylings and unique musical nuances take listeners back to the time when the radio waves were filled with melodic tunes about love and romance.
With the holiday season already in full swing, the George Jazz Garden is thrilled to showcase Jim’s renditions of some of the most loved and well-known jazz standards and popular Christmas songs. He will join the West Coast Jazz Players as they perform a variety of music, including some audience-participation holiday singing. The Jazz Garden has all the makings of a Bing Crosby Christmas.
The Gingerbread Tour is in full swing, and the community is encouraged to vote. There are three ways to vote: at the downtown location, on Facebook, or via online ballot. Everyone who turns in a Gingerbread Tour punch card at The George Store will receive a free carousel ride ticket. Punch cards are available by download.
George Streetfest also has a sleigh full of great prize drawings for December. Complete your Fun Map Punch Card and qualify to win one of over 30 gift certificates to southern Utah’s best establishments. Participants need to turn in completed punch cards to the George Store between 6 and 8:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at the Main Street stage at 8:45 p.m.
Included in the prize drawing are a stay at The Grand Lodge at Brian Head and a massage from Destinations Organic Salon and Spa along with certificates to Twenty-Five Main, One Hot Grill, Pizza Factory, Cappeletti’s, Bear Paw, Painted Pony, George’s Corner, Annie’s Vintage Garden, Waffle Love, Waffle Bliss, Powerful Products, and more.
If all of this wasn’t enough to keep you warm from the inside out, George Streetfest will have fire barrels and wassail for additional heat. Santa will be at Town Square with hot cocoa and carousel rides. Take photos with the Grinch and Buddy the Elf at the George free photo booth on Main Street near the stage, and enjoy free wassail at Ancestor Square served by Farmers Market. Dress warmly, bring the kids, and enjoy the festivities in the community’s own downtown Christmas Village.
