The Demopolis Singers kicked off the 2008 Christmas on the River week with a pair of concerts at the Demopolis High School auditorium.

The community singing group had performances on Sunday and Monday, performing carols such as “The First Noel” and God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” along with favorites with “Deck the Halls” and a blend of favorites in “Wonderful Christmas Medley.” The performance also included international songs from the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Spain, France and Venezuela.

Singers included sopranos Carolyn Bell, Donna Bishop, Lynn Brasfield, Laura Clements, Charlotte Criswell, Katie Echols, Nadeen Y. Ivory, Willa Norton Jackson, Dessie Williford and Rose Marie Woodall; altos Bunny Abrams, Stephanie Alegria, Karen Davidson, Jan McDonald, Kayte Melton, Lynda Ray, Andrea Ward and Melissa Weltin; tenors Betty malone, John Malone, Ed Rush and Danny Wasson; and basses Robin Clifton Dennis Davidson, Wade Drinkard, Dr. Paul Ketcham, Frank McNamara, Randy Nalley and Tommy Vice.

Soloists included sopranos Carolyn Bell and Katie Echols; altos Stephanie Alegria, Jan McDonald, Lynda Ray and Melissa Weltin; tenor Ed Rush; baritone Dennis Davidson; and bass Randy Nalley.

Cloyde Williams directed the Demopolis Singers, with musical accompaniment from Linda Barnes on the keyboards and Rebecca Lessmann and Doug McNutt on percussion.

The performances closed with audience participation in a sing-along of carols, including “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Away in a Manger,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Silent Night.”