Kate Voegele of "One Tree Hill." The actress and singer/songwriter performed on Thursday.

New York City - The annual New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) tree lighting has been a tradition since 1923, and this year's 86th annual event, hosted by the NYSE Euronext, was held on Thursday, December 10. The evening included a star-studded line-up of musicians and entertainers.

The evening featured live performances by Grammy-winning country music star and actor, Billy Ray Cyrus; Grammy-winning jazz group, The Manhattan Transfer; rock bands Twisted Sister with Constantine Maroulis, Kerry Butler and James Carpinello from the Broadway musical, "Rock of Ages;" Collective Soul and Stryper; pop rock band, Honor Society; country music artist, David Nail; Grammy-winning violinist, Joshua Bell; "One Tree Hill" actress and singer/songwriter, Kate Voegele; teen choir The Monsignor Donovan Choir; and Tamela Mann of "Meet the Browns" who has just released her second gospel C.D. "The Master Plan." Valerie Smaldone; "Dancing with the Stars" Kym Johnson; the New York Jets Flight Crew and Santa Claus all made a special appearance during the festivities, which was open to the public.

David Nail performs.

New York Stock Exchange Holiday Tradition
This year's tree hailed from Ramapo, NY, and is adorned with 10,000 multi-colored lights, 250 multi-colored decorative balls bearing the NYSE Euronext logo, and a six-foot star, all supported on a base fashioned as a holiday gift box. The illumination of the 65 foot tall and 34 foot wide Norway Spruce took place on Broad Street directly in front of the NYSE. The tree was lit by Duncan L. Niederauer, CEO, NYSE Euronext, accompanied by the family of James McDonald in memory of McDonald, a long-time worker at the Exchange who passed away earlier this year.

Also adding to the festivities, several of the musicians who performed rang the NYSE Closing Bell at precisely 4 p.m., with Cyrus waving and banging a ceremonial gavel to the amusement of even the harried and tired brokers on the Exchange trading floor. Applause resounded off the big boards.

New York Jets Flight Crew cheerleaders help emcee the evening's events.

In the late 19th Century brokers rang in the holiday with tin whistles and horns, and occasionally the festivities were complemented with a saxophone quartet and a banjo player on the trading floor. In the last few years of the 19th Century, the holiday festivities subsided and were celebrated in quieter ways, with a religious service at Trinity Church or caroling outside the Exchange. In its 86-year history the only time the tree was not lit was in 1973, due to the energy crisis. Over the years, the NYSE holiday tree lighting ceremonies have grown to include participation by celebrities and musicians, as well as listed companies. The NYSE tree lighting ceremony is one of the oldest traditions held in New York City.

'Let Me Entertain You'
This year's musical participants offered everything from traditional holiday carols to classical, pop, country, jazz and heavy metal music to the delight of the outdoor, standing room only audience. Tiffany's, the NYC landmark jewelry store, was on hand, passing out cookies shaped as the famous Tiffany blue box complete with white iced ribbons, and tied off with a festive red ribbon bow. Hot chocolate and hot dogs were also available to chilled attendees who braved the cold wind whipping through Manhattan's famous concerte canyons to enjoy the evening.

The McDonald family with Duncan L. Niederauer, CEO, NYSE Euronext, get ready to light the tree.

The evening's festivities were emceed by five time Billboard Magazine winner, radio host Valerie Smaldone, best known from 106.1 FM radio, and "Dancing with the Stars" Kym Johnson, with assistance from the New York Jets Flight Crew cheerleaders, and Santa Claus himself - who all did a wonderful job of introducing each act and kept the evening moving smoothly. Beginning with the local teen Monsignor Donovan Choir; who all sported red hats and scarves and crystal clear voices singing traditional holiday carols, the entertainment included each guest performing two to three songs - usually one from a recent C.D. release and two carols - and a few performances which put a 'twist' to the holiday standards. In order of appearance were:

"Dancing with the Stars" Kym Johnson helps to keep the evening moving along.

 • "One Tree Hill" actress and singer/songwriter, Kate Voegele, who performed a single from her just released "A Fine Mess" C.D.

 • Joshua Bell whose beautiful performance on the violin could be heard echoing off the buildings, and absorbed by the hushed audience. With more than 30 orignal albums to his credit, his latest C.D. release "At Home With Friends" includes a recording with Sting, among others.

 • Country music artist David Nail whose "I'm About To Come Alive" C.D. release marks the third highest new artist debut on the country charts.

 • Ten time Grammy Award winners The Manhattan Transfer, who performed "Spain," a single from their new release "The Chick Corea Songbook." This group made Grammy Award history in 1981 by becoming the first group to win simultaneously in both the Jazz and Pop categories.

Billy Ray Cyrus and other performers 'ring' the closing bell.

 • Grammy-winning country music star and actor Billy Ray Cyrus, who enthused the crowd by stating "We will all get by. I'm from Flat Woods, Kentucky and I can't believe I'm here in New York at the Stock Exchange - it's a thrill and a pleasure." Cyrus kept fans screaming and happy with singles from his new release "Back To Tennessee." He will also be appearing in Hallmark's "Christmas in Canaan" and "The Spy Next Door" with Jackie Chan, in addition to his role as both father to and co-star with daughter Miley Cyrus in the popular "Hannah Montana" series.

 • Pop rock band Honor Society whose performance of "Over You" kept the teen girls in the audience singing along and waving madly. The band is currently on a 40-city "Fashionably Late" tour, and gained popularity by touring with both the Jonas Brothers and Jordin Sparks.

The Manhattan Transfer performs to an SRO crowd.

 • Rock band Collective Soul - who threw out Bibles to the crowd - were introduced as a Christian rock band. With seven #1 hits and four platinum albums, they managed to remind all in attendance the true meaning of the holidays.

The beautiful 65 foot tall and 34 foot wide Norway Spruce on Broad Street in front of the NYSE.

 • Rock band Stryper, best known for their platinum opus "To Hell With The Devil," with the hit single "Honestly," kept the audience stomping for more rock tunes. The band is currently on a global tour through 2010.

 • Some members of the rock band Twisted Sister with Constantine Maroulis, Kerry Butler and James Carpinello from the Broadway musical "Rock of Ages." Twisted Sister is probably best known for their iconic rock anthems "We're Not Gonna Take It," and "I Wanna Rock." Together for 37 years the band produced a multi-platinum release celebrating their 25th anniversary with "Stay Hungry." And the audience was hungry for this long-time favorite heavy metal band that kept the blood flowing among the audience who jumped, danced, clapped and sang along. The powerful vocals of the trio from the Broadway hit "Rock of Ages" proved well matched to the guitar work being played on stage. The play focuses on the story of a young couple as relayed through the hit songs of some of the 1980s most loved bands, including Whitesnake, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, and others.

Apologies to Tamela Mann as I missed her performance when press were allowed inside to the trading floor for the closing bell.

The Honor Society keeps the audience, especially the teenage girls, rocking on.

A magical night was enjoyed by hundreds and special recognition should be given to Judy Shaw and Ase Edstrom of the NYSE, as well as all of the performers for creating an evening of holiday cheer, rememberance and joy. Each act performed traditional holiday carols, as well as well-loved and recognized hit singles, and brought to the stage a unique interpretation of what the holidays mean to them and once again reminded all of us that music - any music - is a gift.

Stryper kept the crowd rocking and dancing in the cold weather.

The evening's events concluded at 6 p.m., and after the closing bell at 4 p.m. the crowd swelled with traders, brokers and NYSE employees and guests who were happy to let loose and enjoy before another hectic day of high energy and loudness of a different sort. The crowds dispersed quickly and quietly at the conclusion, once again leaving the building of the NYSE a quiet, and imposing titan gracing lower Manhattan.

Members of Twisted Sister with "Rock of Ages" cast tear up downtown.