The SchuylGurlz, a seven-member a cappella group, delighted an audience at the Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven during a festive concert on December 5, 2025. Their performance, part of the Coffee House Cabaret series, featured a selection of beloved holiday songs that evoked nostalgia and holiday spirit among the approximately 50 attendees.
The atmosphere was vibrant as guests enjoyed coffee, desserts, and spirits while surrounded by twinkling lights and decorations. The SchuylGurlz filled the gallery with renditions of Christmas classics, including a jazzy take on Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and Dean Martin’s “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.” These performances transported listeners back in time, fostering a sense of warmth and reminiscence.
Kerry McCaffrey, an attendee, expressed her enjoyment, stating, “It took you back to when you were a kid. I enjoyed every song.” The concert provided a welcome break from the hectic pace of the holiday season, as noted by Orwigsburg couple Ira and Jennifer Walton. Ira, an environmental consultant, remarked, “It’s nice to just take an hour and relax.”
Celebrating Tradition Through Music
Among the audience was Shirley Robinson, who reminisced about her time working in the gallery when it was the Walk In Shoe Company. She attended the concert with her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Donna Brensinger. “I love to look back. I love the old music and like to sing along with it,” Robinson shared.
The group’s repertoire included timeless favorites such as “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night,” and “White Christmas.” A particularly sentimental moment came with their rendition of “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays,” famously recorded by Perry Como in 1954. They also picked up the tempo with Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” a song that has remained popular since its release in 1958.
Founded by Jacquie Engel about five years ago, the SchuylGurlz includes five members from the Schuylkill Choral Society. Alongside Engel, the performers were Blair Boyer, Jennifer Koch, Ashley Elwood, Heather Butler, Laura Costa, and Diana Cosgrove. Ana Reyes was unable to attend the event.
Community Spirit and Upcoming Events
The Coffee House Cabaret is part of a series of holiday-themed programs at the Walk In Art Center. Lauri Minnick, the gallery manager, highlighted the center’s recent Holiday Artisan Market, which featured 58 vendors on Small Business Saturday. The venue also hosted its annual Festival of Trees, a decorating competition among local businesses and nonprofits.
Looking ahead, the center will hold its annual Jingle Mingle holiday party and fundraiser on December 13, 2025, at 18:00. This semi-formal event encourages attendees to dress as characters from “The Wizard of Oz.” The Walk In Art Center, featuring 15 artists in Studio Row, is open Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 and Saturday from 13:00 to 17:00 at 220 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven. For more information, visit walkinartcenter.org or contact 570-732-3728.
The evening with the SchuylGurlz not only celebrated holiday music but also fostered a sense of community and togetherness, reminding all present of the joy and nostalgia that the season brings.
