On December 3, 2024, the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Georgia Southern hosted a spectacular live performance featuring the performers ‘Sail On,’ The Beach Boys Tribute Band, and songs from the iconic Beach Boys Christmas album.
Seasonal classics from the Rock and Roll era and a heartfelt encore of Auld Lang Syne left the audience with a perfect blend of nostalgia and holiday cheer. The show offered entertainment for all ages, showcasing timeless hits like Wouldn't It Be Nice, California Girls, Help Me Rhonda, and Don't Worry Baby. They were beautifully complemented by Christmas favorites such as Blue Christmas, I'll Be Home for Christmas, and Merry Christmas Baby.
A special guest, Freedom and his ‘plus 1 of over 20 years’, Steve Hein, Executive Director of the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center, were honored and well received. Freedom represents joy and pride in the community, and everyone wanted a holiday picture in front of the tree.
“The fact that the community is growing to embrace Freedom, well beyond Paulson Stadium, and at holiday time, to be included in festivities, means a lot,” added Hein.
The Sail On Christmas Concert was a ‘dream come true’ from the get-go, shared Daniel Brown, PAC Director. “It was paramount for the PAC to build a family-friendly appeal at every level about fellowship and joy for the holidays."
The audience was captivated, with many comments taking them down memory lane. Rick Hutchison shared, “I grew up listening to The Beach Boys and always loved the music and songs they played. This production truly brought back great memories.”
Lynda Yawn smiled, ”Great entertainment! We liked that it was a great mixture of traditional beach music and Christmas tunes, invoking such nostalgia from years ago when we were younger.”
Celebrating the magic of music that transcends generations guaranteed a good time for everyone. Frank Hook, Special Assistant to the Athletic Director at Georgia Southern, and season subscriber at the PAC, expressed, “Loved the show. Every song was in perfect harmony and brought back great memories of the wonderful Beach Boys days during my high school and college days. The Christmas songs are really special, putting you in the mood for the Christmas season.”
See a list of upcoming shows at the PAC here. For more information, please email pac@georgiasouthern.edu.