Luster Studios » North Carolina Photographers Craig Carpenter

Known as a plein air painter (which is French for “in the open air”) these talented artists paint cityscapes and unique scenes in downtown Raleigh during specific events. This is Doug Strickland. More of his work can be found at www.dougstricklandart.com

Raleigh has installed brand new blue street signs throughout the city this past year. I think they are a nice addition.

This booth showcased Stitch bags by designer Holly Aiken.

Christy Hall was also doing her part to keep everyone warm in the marketplace. You can see more of her work at Hand Cramp Crafts.

ABC Eyewitness News was also on hand to document and broadcast the event to viewers at home.

These “penguins” from Broadway Series South performed an excellent teaser excerpt from their show Cirque Dreams.

I was a bit nervous for them in these two shots…

The Raleigh Boychoir is led by Robert E. Unger.

The North Carolina Dance Institute led an upbeat dance number that showcased contemporary and classical dance moves.

I love the song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” These girls from Explore Dance did an excellent job in acting out the classic lyrics from the original cartoon special. James Earl Jones and Dr. Seuss never looked so good!

The St. Mary’s Choral Group sounded beautiful and had there own set of excited groupies in the front row during their performance.

This young lady had an excellent solo rendition… I can’t remember the song she sang though.

The dance performers of Stage Door Dance Studios

I didn’t realize this until someone showed me, but there are sensors on the sides of the dancing water fountains that effect the color and water patterns of the streams. VERY cool!

So you think YOU can dance? The City Ballet took the stage in colorful costumes and had some serious airtime in each of their jumps!

The Raleigh Little Theatre sings “So bring us some figgy pudding…!” in the most convincing of voices. Be sure to check out their performance of Cinderalla this year.

Winterfest welcomed Ray Walker to the stage. He’s starred on Broadway in Les Misérables, Grease and Jesus Christ Superstar. Being in the front row, I can say first hand that this guy has a real strength and control in his voice! Wow! Currently, he’s the artistic director for the North Carolina Theatre Conservatory which is part of North Carolina Theatre’s education department.

Ira David Wood III offered up a poignant reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” He is an actor, singer, theater director and playwright and is currently the Executive Director of a community theatre company in Raleigh, North Carolina. He’s heavily active with the community theatre called Theatre in the Park and one of the stars of A Christmas Carol.

The headliner for the event that had everyone buzzing and (I’m sure helped with the great turnout) was Michelle Branch.

This little girl was super cute holding up her homeade sign. I tried to get her backstage to meet Michelle but she had to go immediately following her set.

While waiting backstage I had a moment to photograph Mayor Charles Meeker of Raleigh and his wife Dr. Ann McLaurin right before the tree lighting ceremony.

The Mayor is joined by David Diaz as they flip the switch to light the Christmas Tree.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

The ice rink in downtown Raleigh will be open

I really LOVE how this triptych turned out of this little girl just learning how to ice skate. Isn’t she adorable?

Ice sculpting demonstrations were provided by AMD Ice Sculptures of Cary

… and stilt juggling. I love the kids “thumbs up” sign that he’s giving the guy on stilts. I guess he approves of his skills.

Since I’m originally from Ohio I grew up knowing all to much about the FUN and CHAOS that sledding can be.

At first I felt bad that none of these kids have probably experienced “real” sledding before but after seeing how much fun they were having, I was happy that they got to experience the next best thing. I LOVE the look on this kids face. Snow and ramps were provided by Snow My Yard.

Many event-goers were sporting stylish and “not so stylish” christmas sweaters. But that’s half the fun right?

I took a walk down to The Memorial Auditorium just to see what it looked like decorated for the holidays.

Talented Christmas carolers occupied the streets and filled the air with holiday tunes. Even better than an IPOD!

Another talented painter named Eric McRay. I’ve met Eric before during First Fridays at Artspace and it was good to see him again!

I dub thee… “Defender of the Doughnut!”

A trackless train carried children and adults through Fayetteville Street.

A band named Cafe Mars closed out the evening with some great live fusion of funk, jazz and R&B. I had a chance to chat with Charlotte Gregory backstage and she shared with me how everyone in the band has migrated from different parts of the country to form this eclectic group of musicians.

I kind of liked this shot and the way that nature and man-made complimented each other.