12/13/16 — The Embers of Christmas: performing for a good cause

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The Embers of Christmas: performing for a good cause

By Dennis Hill
Published in News on December 13, 2016 8:20 AM

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A front row hug between an Embers fan and Rudolph the red-nosed Reindeer as the Embers perform at the Paramount Theatre on Monday.

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Andy Swindell, left, sings baritone accompanied by Jeff Grimes on jazz guitar and Stephen Pachuta on drums Monday evening at the Paramount during the annual Christmas concert.

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Santa Claus walks the aisles and waves to his fans as the Embers play their brand of Christmas classics at the Paramount Theatre Monday.

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Craig Woolard performs with The Embers during the band's Christmas concert at the Paramont Theatre Monday evening.

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The Embers from left to right Andy Swindell, Jeff Grimes, Bobby Tomlinson, and Craig Woolard Monday night performing their versions of the Christmas classics during the annual Christmas concert at the Paramount Theatre.

The Embers brought their annual Christmas show to the Paramount Theatre on Monday night and the veteran beach music band did not disappoint.

From traditional songs such as the opening "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," to the soulful "Come All Ye Faithful," from the bluesy "Bells Will Be Ringing," to the rollicking "Jingle Bell Rock," the group showed why it continues to pack venues 50 years after it creation.

Lead singer Craig Woolard said the band's Christmas shows are special to members of the band and that coming back to Goldsboro is always like coming home.

"It's really gratifying to see the people's response to us delivering the Christmas music they grew up listening to," Woolard said.