One of my blog inspiration books reminds us that at
Christmas, “make time for family and friends” and as we do, we often come home
for the holidays (from Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned From a Little Golden Book). Home for the Holidays was all about our local musical
talent coming home to Pittsburgh and celebrating and sharing their music of rock, blues, and soul, with all of us.
 |
| Pittsburgh Winery wine tasting |
Home
for the Holidays
was collaboration of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the Pittsburgh Winery. The Pittsburgh Winery in the past has hosted a variety of
interesting musical talent (see Day 169 and Day 170). There was wine tasting before
the show and I must admit that the Pittsburgh Winery makes some good wines.
Home for the Holidays was a showcase for variety of hometown guests:
Margot
Bingham (from Boardwalk Empire
Band), Scott Blasey (from The
Clarks), Clinton Clegg (from The
Commonheart), Bill Deasy (from
The Gathering Field), Kelsey Friday (from
Brownie Mary), Kevin Garrett, Joy Ike, Jimbo Jackson (from
Jimbo and the Soupbones), Phil MacDowell (from
Buzz Poets) with Florraine Darlin, Billy Price, and Lyndsey Smith (from Soul Distribution).
Most of the
artists preformed a holiday song, giving it their own personal style, and then sang
an original or a non-traditional holiday piece. The concert had more of an overall
smooth jazz/soul than rock feel. The show opened
with The Steel Town Horns and Shady Brass. Joy Ikes started off the vocals with a jazzy rendition
of “Have Yourself A Merry Little
Christmas” and it kept on going from there.
I had not heard some of these artists before but like all good musicians,
they can win you over with their talent. I enjoyed Keven Garrett at the piano
playing “This Christmas” and the show had a punch of energy with the powerful
and soulful Lyndsey Smith, who reminded me of Aretha Franklin (ok dating myself now).
The lighting with its changing backdrop of color, falling snowflakes and
Pittsburgh scenes augmented the show. As a native of Pittsburgh, I enjoyed the
Pittsburgh bridge scenes and the Kaufman clock that was injected into the background of
the performances.
 |
| My son is home for the holidays |
I could see this show with a slightly more upbeat vibe and with more holiday classics, becoming another Pittsburgh holiday tradition. I am going to look for this show next year when “our own come home for the holidays” !
(See trustarts.org to find more interesting shows to
celebrate the season and to enjoy in the new year!)
In my Father's house are many dwelling places;if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)
Other Sources
Pittsburgh Winery https://www.pittsburghwinery.com/
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust https://trustarts.org