Classical Christian Christmas: John Berry to play Tifton

Davis Cobb, The Tifton Gazette, Ga.
·2 min read

Nov. 24—TIFTON — A vital part of Christmas for many will always be its traditions and classic hymns and singer John Berry is eager to bring that spirit back to Tifton.

Alongside many other cities across the country, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter John Berry will be making a stop in Tifton on his 26th annual Christmas tour — indeed, the last stop on the tour, just five days short of Christmas.

Famed for his renditions of gospel classics and faith-based country songs, Berry aims to bring a similar energy to the holiday tour, mixing classical hymns that people grew up listening to with his own original songs and carols.

Above all else, he said he's just excited to have the chance to spread the holiday spirit for another year.

"It's been pretty doggone amazing that we've been able to do (the tour) for so many years," Berry said. "It's hard to explain how much I enjoy getting to do this thing."

The tour won't be Berry's first event in Tifton, nor is it his first experience with the city. While it's certainly been a while since his last Christmas tour to Tifton, the singer has graced the Friendly City with several performances in the past and even lived in town for a spell.

This makes his trip to Tifton feel all the more like coming home.

"I can't wait," Berry said. "I've got a lot of friends there (in Tifton) ... a lot of dear friends there. I hope some of them will come up and be with us."

Berry's performances at each stop along his tour will be split into two sets. During the first half of his show, he and his band will perform music from his newest album, "Find My Joy," a collection of classic hymns and original songs, including the titular tune, released earlier this year.

The second set of each performance will be more traditional Christmas songs and hymns, as well as some holiday-themed originals written by Berry, such as the song "I Don't Want to Rush this Christmas."

Attendees may also be treated to a few stories from Berry's childhood in between his performances.

"My hope is that people just really love and enjoy hearing this music, especially the Christmas songs and the hymns, and that it brings back wonderful memories of Christmas past," Berry said. "The faith songs, I hope it'll stir something in their heart and strengthen their faith."

John Berry is scheduled to perform 7 p.m., Dec. 20, at Tift Theatre, 320 Main St. S. Visit johnberry.com for more information.