Kicking Off the Winter Holidays in this Week’s City Minute

By Victoria Idoni

City of Salisbury Communications Director

SALISBURY, Md. – Lots of fun is headed to Salisbury this weekend, and it actually starts Thursday night!

Starting at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 20, the Salisbury University Jazz Ensemble will present vocal and instrumental big band music from the past and present in Holloway Hall. In addition to new compositions by director Jerry Tabor, the band will perform music originally recorded by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, the Andrews Sisters, Duke Ellington, and more. Fronting the band are Ayla Dennis, Grace McCreary Bagley, and Keily Jelley, vocal soloists who also sing as a trio in unforgettable renditions of jazz classics from the swing era.

Admission is free for SU students and staff. Tickets for the general public can be found here. You can also tune into the livestream of the event for five dollars; those tickets can be found here.

On Friday, Nov. 21, swing by Downtown Salisbury to participate in the City’s Third Friday Holiday Kickoff! From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., enjoy an evening full of festive fun, tons of live music and family activities spread throughout the downtown area. Main Street will feature a cozy holiday activity area with craft booths and a Santa Paws Photo Booth; perfect for capturing your furry friend’s holiday spirit. And once it gets dark enough, the City Christmas Tree will be lit up — rumor has it that it might snow too!

As for the musical lineup of the evening, Unity Square will come alive with live music from Such Fools, while the Main Street Plaza will feature live music by Shredded Cheddar. Over at the Government Office Building (GOB) Stage, enjoy a full lineup of local performances:

• Salisbury School Choir, performing from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
• AMP Winter Ensemble, performing from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• JDY Dance, performing from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
• Salisbury University Chamber Choir, performing from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

While you listen to the listen to the lineup at the GOB stage, you can be sure to warm up on Division Street with free hot chocolate and cookie decorating. Bring out your friends and family for some holiday cheer!

Finally, join St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for their annual Holiday Bazaar, happening alongside Downtown Salisbury’s Third Friday! Explore Pete’s Attic Treasures, filled with Christmas décor, furniture, and unique finds. Plus, discover themed baskets in Auction Alley or pick out something special from the Jewelry Shop featuring new and gently used pieces. Once you work up an appetite from shopping, stop by Pete’s Café for King Boys’ famous oyster fritter sandwiches, soups, and chicken salad. Or, satisfy your sweet tooth at Pete’s Pantry and Bake Shop, brimming with baked goods and homemade pantry items.

If you can’t make it out on Friday, they’re also offering the Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9:00 a.m. until about 12:30 p.m.