Reflection
Home for the Holidays is
a collaboration of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the Pittsburgh
Winery. There was wine tasting
before the show and I must admit that the Pittsburgh Winery makes some good vino.
This event showcased the best of Pittsburgh’s hometown
talent with:
Kevin Garrett,
Clinton Clegg, Scott Blasey, Lyndsey Smith, Billy Price, Margot Bingham, Joy
Ike, Anthony Jardine, Jimbo Jackson, Morgan Erina, John Schisle and Buffalo
Rose.
Home for the Holidays celebrates the season
with a little soul and rock. The artists preformed a traditional holiday song
with their own personal style and then sang something original or secular. The show
opened with the Steel Town Horns playing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Joy Ike started off the vocals with a
jazzy rendition of “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and her brilliant cover of Mr.
Rodger’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.”
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| The artists united to end with “Xmas (war is over)” |
The breath of talent in this show was
amazing. John Schisle’s “Hallelujah” dedicated to his late parents had me in
tears. Keven Garrett at the piano was
smooth with “This Christmas “and Morgan Erina’s wispy indie folk sound made a fan out
of me.
I was surprised when Scott Blasey
(The Clarks) morphed into Perry Como with a spot on “It’s the Most Wonderful
Time of the Year.” The show had punches of energy with powerful Lyndsey Smith
and soulful Billy Price. The three vocalists from the band Buffalo Rose (Lucy Clabby, Shane McLaughlin, Roseanna Spindler) that backed
up all the acts, never left the stage and adapted to each artist’s style got my
vote for the most versatile.
The backdrop of falling snow and Pittsburgh
scenes made it feel like home. When all collaborated to end with “Xmas (War is over)” if
felt like “our own came home for the Holidays” to celebrate the season with us
all. This show is going to be my new Holiday tradition for some hometown cheer.
Spiritual Source
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)