News from Britt Hill – Dec 2023/Jan 2024
I can’t believe it’s the holiday season already! Wasn’t it just summer on the Britt hill? Yet here we are in the season of gratitude, giving, and—if your traditions are anything like mine—eating.
There’s so much on my list to be grateful for: this extraordinary community, our beautiful venue, and the opportunities that lie ahead for even more community gathering on the hill. We’re excitedly looking forward to hosting the Lunar New Year festival on February 17, and we also can’t wait to show up with bells on (not literally) for the upcoming Jacksonville OR Friends of Classical Music performances at New City Hall. (See ad on page 9).
I’m also grateful to all our friends who think of Britt for your year-end charitable giving. A year-end gift to Britt supports the care of the park, presenting admission-free arts education in over 70 schools per year, producing the fabulous Britt Festival Orchestra, and so much more! You can learn more at brittfest.org/donate, and we’re always thankful for your consideration. And don’t forget: Britt Memberships and gift certificates make for the perfect holiday gift for that person who already owns one of everything!
It’s also a perfect time of year to stay home and listen to some new-to-you music, and if I can be so bold, I’d love to offer some listening suggestions. My favorite lesser-known holiday album is A Waverly Consort Christmas, which is a breathtaking record of very, very old holiday music. If holiday fare isn’t your preference, you can put on your dancing shoes and put on an album and an episode of Dancing with the Stars featuring Jason Mraz, who’ll be joining us at Britt on August 6 of next year. Other tunes I’ve personally been enjoying in these cozier months include Linger Awhile by the vibrant young jazz musician Samara Joy; the very sweet Tiny Things EP by Tiny Habits; Teatro d’Ira – Vol. 1 by Måneskin (an exciting young true-rock band out of Italy); and Semblance by MorMor, which I discovered while waiting for my delicious latte at Cerberus recently. (Please note none of these are hints of what’s to come at Britt—just some suggested listening for your enjoyment!)
As you’re decorating, lighting candles, gathering with friends, and making merry, you’re in our hearts. Britt couldn’t exist without the community we serve, and it is thanks to you that we’re better than ever. We look forward to seeing you in 2024, and meanwhile, we wish you a very happy holiday season.
All best, Abby