◆ Doors open at 6:30 p.m. By Janet Erickson

Star Valley Arts Council has announced that rock music legend, Jay Osmond, and his wife, Karen, will serve as Masters of Ceremonies for the Stars in the Valley Christmas Concert, returning to Afton this weekend, Saturday, December 3, at 7 p.m. in the Star Valley High School auditorium.

This year’s show boasts 15 local performers and performing groups in the lineup, with Jay on the program to deliver performances from his 2018 Christmas Album, “A Very Merry Rockin’ Good Christmas,” with support from other cast members.

According to the Arts Councils Facebook page, “Jay is one of the Osmond Brothers, who rocked the world’s stages in the 70’s. Jay has made a career of performing and has performed in concerts and shows all over the world for decades. He brings a level of experience, excellence and class to our show that is uncommon in Star Valley! Karen is his wife, and she brings creativity and beauty to his work,” contributing from the production side to his shows.

Jay is thrilled to be part of the Arts Council’s traditional Christmas concert. “We love the Christmas Season and being able to celebrate through performing and music. Now that I have retired from the stage and settled in Star Valley, the home of my Osmond ancestors, I’m so happy to be involved with the Arts Council and this Christmas production. Coming back to my roots and showcasing the local talent is going to be so fun and rewarding for me. I’ll be hosting with my sweet wife, Karen, and we’re going to have a blast!”

After a two-year break, the Arts Council is returning to this Christmas Concert tradition, which offers dozens of community members the opportunity to share their talents with nearly 1,000 friends and neighbors in the audience. Tim Hale, SVAC Executive Director, told SVI News last week that the council greatly appreciates the community support they receive. They would not be able to continue providing such a quality range of productions without support from the community, local business sponsors and the Wyoming Arts Council.

This year’s lineup is a showcase of local vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers, as well as version of “Jingle Bells” in which local cartoonist, Val Chadwick Bagley, will race the clock to provide entertaining, holiday-themed posters that will be sold after the performance as a fundraiser for the SVAC. Star Valley High School’s Jazz Band is also lending their skills to present the preshow in the school commons area beginning at 6:30.

“We are so fortunate to live in a valley with such passionate and wonderful performers and are so excited to share the spirit of the holidays with you through a wide variety of acts in this concert,” commented Jennifer Wilkins, SVAC Assistant Executive Director.

SVAC Board Chair, Denise Christensen, is certain that individuals and families looking for warm and meaningful holiday outings will enjoy the evening, watching friends and neighbors share their talents. “It’s a great way to kick off the Holiday Season and support the arts in Star Valley!”

For tickets, visit StarValleyArts.org.