The Philhallmonics Presents Holiday Concert, MAN WITH THE BAG Today

Join The Philhallmonics swingin' and singin' their way through holiday favorites in "Man With The Bag" presented by The Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts and The PhilHallmonics (www.philhallmonics.com) today, December 7, 2013, 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center (entrance at 65th St & Amsterdam). The PhilHallmonics is led by founder, Broadway conductor and composer, Phil Hall and directed by Broadway choreographer Sharon Halley.

Whether you've been naughty or nice, Santa's got something in his bag that's sure to delight. You'll enjoy innovative stylings of holiday chestnuts such as "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," "We Need A Little Christmas," "Jingle Bell Rock," "Once Upon A December," "That Holiday Feeling," "Little Saint Nick", "I Love The Winter Weather," among many, many other toe tapping tunes. You'll also find the crowd pleasing Sugar Plum Ladies, from previous holiday concerts, conspire to establish themselves as indispensable members of The Philhallmonics, and will do whatever it takes to do so.

The PhilHallmonics is comprised of professional Broadway, cabaret and classical singers and dancers. "Man With The Bag" will feature Karen Arlington, Lynette Baiocco, Mary Lou Barber, Dolly Ellen Friedman, Lenore Fuerstman, Linda Sue Moshier, Alyson Reim, Martin Samuel, Diana Silva, and Becca Yure?. A three-piece band comprised of Phil Hall (piano) Karl Spicer (bass) Andy Drelles (reeds) will punctuate the proceedings as this bevy of beauties strut their stuff. The big man himself makes an appearance in the final number-in and OUT of his Santa suit!

"Man With The Bag" is sure to make you smile, make you laugh and fill you with warm and toasty holiday feelings. You'll also hear some pretty inspired singing," said Phil Hall, The PhilHallmonics' founder and musical director.

NOTE: The concert is free with general seating. It is strongly advised to be in line an hour prior to the performance time.

Under the leadership of Phil Hall, The PhilHallmonics is a group of intergenerational women who sing so others can soar. Whether they are performing for corporate events and donating part of their fee to a favorite charity or providing their talents to raise money and awareness for humanitarian causes, they sing to send a message: it is never too late to follow your passion and, by doing so, find fulfillment and help others. The PhilHallmonics' ensemble of alluring singers and dancers will inspire you with their rich feminine energy and dynamic performances.

Phil Hall (Musical Director/Vocal Arranger) On Broadway, he conducted "Play Me A Country Song" and was associate conductor for the Broadway revival of "Mame," which starred Angela Lansbury. He conducted the third national tour of "Cats." He musically directed Side By Side By Sondheim at Michigan Opera Theatre with Nancy Dussault and Ron Raines. He conducted The Wizard Of Oz which starred Phyllis Diller as the Wicked Witch at St. Louis's MUNY. Hall conducted the premiere of "The Prince Of Central Park," which starred Nanette Fabray. Other musical directing credits include "Some Enchanted Evening" at Kennedy Center. He appeared on stage in Paper Mill's 1989 spring production of Show Boat, which aired on PBS' Great Performances series, playing the role of Jake who accompanies Julie for the song "Bill." Hall appeared in the Mira Sorvino-produced film, Lisa Picard Is Famous as a vocal coach/pianist. He composed the score for "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", which was produced at Paper Mill Playhouse (1998). Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera, Kansas City Starlight Theatre and North Shore Music Theatre. He vocally arranged "SophisticatEd Ellington," a concert of Duke Ellington's music, which was presented at Carnegie Hall by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra in March of 1999. Hall's first play with music, "Matthew Passion," was produced at the American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre in New York City, during the Easter season, 2007.

Sharon Halley began her career at the world-renowned St. Louis MUNY as a dancer. Turning to choreography, she staged the original New York production of "Jerry's Girls" and the national tour with Carol Channing, Leslie Uggams and Andrea McArdle. Other New York credits include "The New Moon," "The Desert Song," "The Merry Widow" (all at New York City Opera) and "Elizabeth and Essex," starring Estelle Parsons. She choreographed the national tour of "Carousel" (with Rex Smith) and has staged numerous productions at some of the country's finest theatres, including Paper Mill Playhouse, Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento, Kansas City Starlight, Theatre Under the Stars, Fifth Avenue Theatre, McCarter Theatre, and the Walnut Street Theater. Also, Halley staged the world premiere of the Rick Hawkins' "Musical Lunch". PBS filmed her productions of "Show Boat," "The Merry Widow" and "The New Moon" for Great Performances.

The PhilHallmonics (officially known as The PhilHallmonic Society Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) organization.