Big Bird with a children's chorus at the 1996 ceremony.
Big Bird and Beverly Sills ready to light the tree in 1997.
Annually in December, Lincoln Center hosts a live ceremony to witness the lighting of the plaza's Christmas tree. The event is free and open to the public, with live performances and free refreshments.
Members of the Sesame Street cast, particularly Big Bird, were frequent guests throughout the 1990s. He appeared frequently alongside Beverly Sills, then-Chairwoman of the Board for Lincoln Center.
- December 5, 1994: Big Bird reads "A Visit from St. Nicholas" with Tony Randall, and sings "Merry Christmas Wishing Well."[1][2] He also sings "Feliz Navidad" with Sonia Manzano (Maria), Emilio Delgado (Luis), and Carlo (Alban).[3]
- December 11, 1995: Ruth Buzzi hosts the evening, which features a performance of "Feliz Navidad" by Big Bird, his Mexican cousin Abelardo, Rosita, Sonia Manzano, Emilio Delgado, Carlo Alban, and Annette Calud (Celina). Odetta Holmes and Marvin Hamlisch also appeared.[4][5][6]
- December 5, 1996: Big Bird sings "Prayer for Peace" with the Lincoln Center Kids Chorus.[7] Other guests include Kurt Masur (director of the New York Philharmonic).[8]
- December 4, 1997: Elmo and Rosita sing "Holiday Song" with the Project Youth Chorus.[9] Big Bird also appears alongside Beverly Sills to light the tree.[10]
- December 3, 1998: Big Bird and Telly Monster appear alongside Beverly Sills, Kurt Masur, Lionel Hampton, and Herbie Hancock.[11][12]
- December 3, 1999: Big Bird sings "Merry Christmas Wishing Well," and Zoe, Baby Bear, and Telly sing "A Season's Promise" with the Project Youth Chorus. Other guests include Samuel Ramey, John Hendricks, and Ernest Borgnine.[13][14][15][16]
- December 4, 2000: Big Bird, Rosita, Zoe, Telly Monster, and Alan Muraoka appear; other guests include José Feliciano. Big Bird performs "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas."[17]
Sources[]
- ↑ The New York Times PLAYING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD December 4, 1994
- ↑ Popplers Music - Merry Christmas Wishing Well
- ↑ Daily News "The City's Chock-a-Block With Christmas and Chanukah Cheer" November 26, 1994
- ↑ Newsday "Kids Chorus Sings Holiday Cheers" December 6, 1995
- ↑ Staten Island Advance "Gala tree-lighting ceremony is Monday at Lincoln Center" December 9, 1995
- ↑ Newsday "A Frigid Day, a Warming Chorus" December 15, 1995
- ↑ The New York Times "Chronicle" December 4, 1996
- ↑ The Washington Post Worldwise December 1, 1996
- ↑ Boosey & Hawkes - Holiday Song (1997)
- ↑ Lakeland Ledger December 6, 1997
- ↑ NY Daily News THE SEASON OF PLENTY NO MATTER WHAT YOU’RE CELEBRATING, NEW YORK HAS SOMETHING TO ENTERTAIN YOU November 22, 1998
- ↑ Spirit of Jefferson Farmer's Advocate December 31, 1988
- ↑ NY Daily News Today In New York December 3, 1999
- ↑ Asbury Park Press November 21, 1999
- ↑ A Season's Promise liner notes
- ↑ Newsday November 19, 1999
- ↑ The New York Post SALSA AND MUPPETS HEAT UP SEASON AT LINCOLN CENTER December 2, 2000
- ↑ The Record December 3, 2001