4th Annual Tuba Christmas Concert is Dec. 8 11/30/2007 9:15:05 AM  E-Mail UNCW Department of Music professor Daniel Johnson directs two free performances of the Fourth Annual Tuba Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 8. The first begins at noon at Westfield Independence Mall and the second show starts at 2 p.m. at Brightmore of Wilmington. The concert features traditional Christmas carols by a tuba-euphonium ensemble and special guest conductor, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo. In addition, Saffo will deliver a mayoral proclamation announcing Dec. 8 as Tuba Christmas Day. First performed in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza, Tuba Christmas is a long-standing tradition within in the music community. The event was conceived in 1974 as a tribute to the late artist and teacher William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. Every Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages gather in cities throughout the world to honor the great musicians and teachers of their art form. As a Tuba Christmas tradition, the annual celebration features the same collection of Christmas carols arranged for the original event in 1974. This year, Tuba Christmas events will take place in over 120 cities worldwide. This marks the fourth year that Wilmington has participated in the annual Tuba Christmas celebration. Last year's performance drew over nearly fifty musicians and captivated crowds with its unique take on holiday classics. "The rich, organ-like sound of a tuba-euphonium ensemble is ideal for a holiday performance," said director Johnson. "Tuba Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and appreciate these beautiful and often misunderstood instruments. At the same time, it is a truly unique holiday tradition that allows us to give a special musical gift to the community." All tuba or euphonium musicians interested in participating in this year's Tuba Christmas should contact Johnson at 910.962.7559 or johnsond@uncw.edu. Westfield Independence Mall is located at 3500 Oleander Drive. Brightmore of Wilmington is located at 2124 41st Street. Both events are free and open to the public.