TALENTED TEENS & TOP PERFORMERS ULIMINATE HARLEM STAGE FOR
35th Annual Harlem Tree Lighting Ceremony
By Keith L. Forest

On Monday, December 12, 2011, the holiday season in Harlem came to life as Harlem’s own Grammy and Oscar nominated music group Impact Repertory Theatre; youth groups Vy Higgins Gospel for Teens and the Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts’ Voices of Excellence choir took center stage for the 35th Annual Harlem Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Hosted by NY1 News leading anchorwoman Cheryl Wills, the festive, outdoor, family-affair also featured a soulful holiday greeting from balladeer Alyson Williams who moved the crowed with her own personal rendition of “This Christmas.” Three-time Tony Awards winner Hinton Battle was also on hand. Broadway community’s most respected musical stars debut his first inspirational single, “When I Walk,” and later introduced cast members from his latest off Broadway production Sistas. NY Assemblyman Keith Wright, the legendary Roxanne Shante, radio personalities DJ Marley Marl and WBLS own Dr. Bob Lee and other luminaries were also in attendance.

The event, which was sponsored by the New York State Office of General Services, Melba’s Restaurant, Harlem Community Development Corporation, American Express, Harlem Arts Alliance, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Healthfirst, Chez Lucienne and City College of New York, highlights Harlem’s profound legacy and majestic future. As in the past, organizers will once again use this affair as an opportunity to give back to those less fortunate. “This is the community’s tree,” stated Willie Walker, committee member of Holidays in Harlem. “During these difficult economic times, many families in our community are unable to put food on their tables. This ceremony and this tree is our gift to them.”

The history of the Harlem Tree Lighting Ceremony dates back to 1976 when a group of prominent Harlemites decided to celebrate their beloved neighborhood with a ceremonial festival similar to the annual Rockefeller Plaza event. In 1978, with the assistance of New York State office of General Services, Con Edison and the 369th Army National Guard, the first tree was placed in front of Adam Clayton State Office Building. 35 years later, with corporate and community support, the tradition lives on.

The Holidays In Harlem Committee is comprised of concerned citizens from both the public and private sector, in concert with NYS Office of General Services. Each year a committed body of good spirited citizens’ come together to create this amazing tree lighting event in hopes that the affair captures the spirit of all who visit the historic village while reflecting the true essence of Harlem. The main event is the tree lighting ceremony, which will feature a magnificent 30 foot balsam fir tree adorned with an array of cool LED lights, followed by an after party in the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building sponsored by Melba’s Restaurant.

Pictures by Hubert Williams of Images of Us

Pix 1: Cheryl Wills (centered Right); Vy Higginson (centered Left) and the Vy Higginson Gospel for Teens take a bow before the Harlem community’s illuminated 35 ft. balsam fir tree.
Pix 2: Harlem’s own Impact Repertory Theatre delivered yet another energetic performance
Pix 3: Soul singer Alyson Williams raised the frigid temperature with her stylized version of “This Christmas”