DECEMBER 9-10, 2023 – Christmas in New York City is a magical thing with so much to do and so many sights to see. There is never a shortage of Christmas events or concerts to attend, and the hardest part is choosing what to do and what to see!
Thankfully, a large group of people decided the correct thing to do was to see the New York Staff Band in the iconic Centennial Memorial Temple for its annual Christmas Concert – along with special guest David Phelps, formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band.
As it turns out, David Phelps has a huge following and audience members flew from as far as California to see him perform live in NYC! The NYSB knew that Mr. Phelps would help attract a nice crowd but wasn’t quite expecting the night to turn out the way it did! After a short VIP reception in which certain ticket holders had access to hors-d’oeuvres and the chance to meet David Phelps face to face, the concert was set to begin.
The staff band set up on the floor of the CMT to leave space for David Phelps’ incredible live band on stage and delivered the first half of the concert from there. Most people in the audience had never heard the band before but their appreciation and enthusiasm were evident almost immediately after the band’s opening number concluded! Feeling the energy of the room, Lt. Colonel Kathleen Steele welcomed and invited the audience to sing along with the band in ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’ Heartfelt singing filled the room and absolutely set in stone the tone for the rest of the evening.
The NYSB’s program included items such as ‘A Fantasy of Joy’ by Frederick Schjelderup, ‘Three Kings Swing’ by William Himes and a new Christmas work by Marcus Venables, ‘News of Great Joy.’ In keeping with tradition, the band ended with Erik Leidzens much loved ‘Christmas Joy!’
After a brief intermission, David Phelps and band entered the stage and led the crowd in an eclectic set of traditional and modern Christmas music in various styles but with each arrangement being special in its own way. David Phelps has long been famous for his rendition of ‘O, Holy Night’ which, for one night only, had the NYSB join along with brass parts arranged by Gavin Whitehouse, and served as a wonderful finale for the evening.
The following morning, the NYSB gathered as it always does, at the Manhattan Adult Rehabilitation Center in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of NYC. The band’s annual December ministry weekend wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the brothers and sisters of the ARC and always guarantees each member leaving with blessed hearts after hearing the powerful testimonies of several of the residents. After the usual great lunch prepared by the men and women of the ARC, the band was on its way after a busy but successful Christmas ministry weekend.
