If you want to hear fine live music to celebrate the holiday season, you may just need to shop while musicians drop the notes.
Central Mall in Texarkana is in the midst of a series of Christmas music concerts coordinated by the Texarkana Academy of Musical Arts, one of its tenants. And Bonnie Montgomery, the TAMA's owner and director, has scheduled a bevy of local talents to perform for those needing a musical respite from the gift aisles.
Some concerts have already come and gone, but today it continues with more musical merriment. It's free and open to the public, of course. You'll catch most of the music performances in the public court area near JCPenney.
Today's lineup consists of the Veritas Academy Singers at 3 p.m., vocal soloist Charles Lawrence at 6 p.m., the Texharmonics, a cappella chorus under the direction of Robin Curtis with barbershop-style tunes at 7:30 p.m. and Bryan Gafford playing the violin at 8 p.m. Of a cappella, Montgomery said, "That's always a hit."
On Saturday, mall visitors can hear Christmas guitar music from Ray Weathers at 11 a.m., Debbie Gilliam at 2 p.m. with Christmas favorites, Dave and Smitty on guitar and vocals at 4 p.m. and Fred and Char Hollowell and their friends at 5 p.m. Hollowell is music director at Christ Nations Church.
Then, on Friday, Dec. 16, Hendrix Trio performs at 7 p.m. The Hendrix Trio perform gospel music. Dave and Smitty perform guitar and vocals that day again at 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17, features and all-day recital of TAMA faculty and students. Students present the pieces they've practiced while faculty will also perform. Also that day, Redwater a Cappella Choir under the direction of Debbie Reed performs at 5:30 p.m.
On Friday, Dec. 23, check out Crusaders Ministries at 4 p.m. and then Elle Michelle, the saxophone player and singer, at 6 p.m. Mall patrons will also hear Montgomery herself perform that day, adding to the array of talent lined up in the coming couple weeks.
Montgomery's been organizing these Christmas concerts for at least 16 or 17 years, she says. She remembers walking the mall and getting to know the workers at a music store there. She started teaching lessons at that store and then began organizing Christmas recitals at the store's entrance. Thus, this idea was born.
"It's just grown over the years to this point," Montgomery said, adding that she appreciates the opportunity given to her by Central Mall. They will, she said, be bringing "Christmas joy to everybody."
The Texarkana Academy of Musical Arts provides lessons in guitar, piano, voice and other instruments.