Join us for a holiday celebration with tenor Richard Slade, followed by a rocking dance party with the First U Rock and Soul Revue. During the first half of the evening, tenor Richard Slade revels in the "curse of versatility": singing holiday tunes in a wide range of styles as he presents  "Crossover Christmas: Make That Mixed-up Holidays, with Standup and Song". Pianists Diane Guernsey and Eric Siegel aid and abet Mr Slade as he takes you from classical chestnuts ("Gesu Bambino", "Sound an Alarm") and pop standards ("Silver Bells", "I'll Be Home for Christmas") to some things way off the hit parade but deserving of a new hearing (Herman Bemberg's delighful "It's Snowing!"). And as the numbers flow from one to the next, tales of holiday gigs, meals and holiday events past combine to evoke a mood of magic, nostalgia, and humor.

After a brief intermission, we'll clear the dance floor for the First U Rock and Soul Revue. The band was created in the fall of 2005 by  members of the First Unitarian Society of Westchester, the home base of Common Ground Coffeehouse. The initial performance was a wild, joyous success, and since then, the group has taken on a life of its own, growing in size, and inspiring and attracting new members from the congregation. Keyboardist-bandleader Ray Castoldi notes that ‘revue’ really captures the band’s capacity for change; different guest performers and new regulars keep the sound fresh and fluid. The band also offers a spiritual venue for creative self-expression, fun and community building, “though we don’t play traditional church songs”. Our sound reflects “the deep, religious fervor and emotion that is the driving force of soul”, Castoldi explains, but “ we play the songs of this world--not the next.“ And to hear those songs, you can’t help but get up and dance! Rock & Soul members come from all walks of life. High school students, filmmakers, graphic designers, scientists, Jungian analysts, speech pathologists, teachers, and computer programmers make up the band’s unique voice. The band is always ready to embrace original tunes and arrangements, and favorites such as Iko Iko and Shake a Tail Feather have inspired members to challenge themselves musically. The First U Rock & Soul Revue is available for festivals, benefits and other fundraising events, and of course, coffeehouses.