Christmas

Hanover County Converts Christmas Trees to Biomass

Leoneda Inge — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Counties across North Carolina are embarking on one of their official after-Christmas duties – disposing of hundreds of tons of Christmas trees. Here's what's happening in Wilmington.

Operatic Holiday Hits

Frank Stasio and Alex Granados — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:57:00 +0000

Everywhere you go right now, you’re probably hearing holiday tunes. But the internationally regarded baritone Steven Kimbrough is bringing a new sound to Christmas: opera. His new album, “Christmas Lullabies From Around the World” has the celebrated singer doing operatic renditions of some little known Christmas songs.

Christmas with Nnenna Freelon

Frank Stasio and Shawn Wen — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:32:00 +0000

Grammy award winning singer Nnenna Freelon is called the “international voice of jazz.” And along with bassist and composer John Brown, she is changing the sound of Christmas. The two have put out a collaboration called, “Christmas.” They’ll be performing at the Carolina Theatre on December 21st. Host Frank Stasio talks to them about their collaboration.

Bank Robberies Down Slightly

Keith Weston — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:45:00 +0000

The North Carolina Bankers Association says the number of bank robberies is down slightly since last year. The group met with law enforcement agencies yesterday to discuss how to reduce the crime rate. The association says there have been 113 robberies this year compared to 129 in 2011. Associate counsel Dawn Thompson says the group keeps track of crime trends to help law enforcement cut down on robberies.

It's a Wonderful Life

Frank Stasio and Alex Granados — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:15:00 +0000

The iconic Frank Capra film has captured the hearts and minds of people around the world. It’s the quintessential American Christmas movie. Now, the Playmakers Repertory Company is bringing a stage adaptation to Chapel Hill. “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is showing through December 16th at the Center for Dramatic Art on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus

Frank Stasio and Shawn Wen — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:06:00 +0000

As Christmas draws nearer, we are flooded with images of Santa Claus. He is perhaps our most iconic symbol of the holiday. The modern Santa Claus is based on the legends of Saint Nicholas, or Nicholas of Myra from the 4th Century. Adam English is Associate Professor of Religion at Campbell University and author of “The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus” (Baylor University Press/ 2012). He joins host Frank Stasio to discuss the historical origins of Santa Claus.

Symphony Rings In December With Handel's Messiah

Catherine Brand — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 22:45:00 +0000

Handel's Messiah -- it's a staple this time of year for community sing-alongs and professional orchestras alike. The North Carolina Symphony is performing the work this weekend at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh. I spoke with conductor Grant Llewellyn earlier this week. He says he understands why the work has endured to become a holiday classic.

NC a Top Producer of Poinsettias

Leoneda Inge — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:45:00 +0000

You know the holiday season is in full swing when Christmas Trees are sprouting up on big corner lots and at most big box stores. North Carolina is one of the top producers of Christmas Trees. The state is also a top producer of another holiday plant – the poinsettia.

First of all – North Carolina poinsettias are grown in-doors – in greenhouses. The conditions have to be just right. This is a tropical plant, you know. And the colors! Walking into a poinsettia greenhouse at N-C State is like walking into a candy store!

Did you Know the White House Xmas Tree is From NC?

Leoneda Inge — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 14:00:00 +0000

First Lady Michelle Obama will be on hand to receive the official White House Christmas tree today.