+ Joined by TED NUGENT Bassist GREG SMITH
Featuring Original Members of TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
*A Theatrical Holiday Rock Event for the Entire Family*
Hear Original Tunes and TSO Favorites!
Hard Copies of New Album The Magic of Winter Available Now
Digital Available Tomorrow, November 20th via iTunes
Yuletide rock opera ensemble The WIZARDS OF WINTER are kicking off their “An Evening with Wizards of Winter” holiday music experience today in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The tour will hit 21 U.S. cities, coming to a close on December 29th in Harrisburg, PA. This nightly two-and-a-half hour show is theatrical fun for the entire family!
The WIZARDS OF WINTER feature original members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, so it comes as no surprise that in addition to performing an entire set of original holiday music at each stop of their rock opera tour, the group will also perform select TSO favorites, including “First Snow”, “Queen of the Winter Night”, “Christmas Eve in Sarajevo (12/24)”, and “Christmas Nights in Blue”.
The WIZARDS OF WINTER are pleased to announce that long-time Ted Nugentbassist/vocalist Greg Smith will be joining their ensemble on the road beginning December 3rd in Concord, NH through December 20th in Chicago, IL. Smith has also played bass and performed backing vocals for artists such as Billy Joel, Alice Cooper, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Alan Parsons Project, Blue Oyster Cult, Dokken, Vinnie Moore, Wendy O. Williams of the Plasmatics, and many more. Smith was also the principal bassist and backing vocals for the Tony Award-winning Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp musical “Movin’ Out” for its entire three-year run on Broadway, in addition to one year on the road.
“I’m very excited to perform with The WIZARDS OF WINTER for 11 shows and am looking forward to meeting the fans,” states Smith. “Drummer Tommy Ference and I have been friends for a few years now. When the Wizards needed someone to fill in for some shows, Tommy called me and asked if I was interested. I thought it would be great – the music is fun and challenging!”
Tickets for “An Evening with Wizards of Winter” are on sale now and available for purchase via www.wizardsofwinter.com/tour-dates/ or directly from the local venue. See below for a full listing of tour dates.
“An Evening with Wizards of Winter” Tour Dates:
11/19 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Parker Playhouse
11/20 – Clearwater, FL @ The Capitol Theatre
11/21 – Orlando, FL @ The Plaza Live
11/27 – Wilkes Barre, PA @ F.M. Kirby Center for Performing Arts
11/28 – Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Theatre
12/3 – Concord, NH @ Capitol Center For The Arts
12/4 – Collingswood, NJ @ Collingswood Scottish Rite Theatre
12/5 – Easton, PA @ The State Theater Performing Arts Center
12/6 – Sugarloaf, NY @ Sugarloaf Performing Arts Center
12/9 – Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse
12/11 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre and Ballroom
12/12 – Kalamazoo, MI @ The Kalamazoo State Theatre
12/13 – Munhall, PA @ Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
12/16 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
12/17 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
12/18 – Effingham, IL @ Effingham Performing Arts Center
12/20 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
12/26 – Albany, NY @ The Egg
12/27 – Syracuse, NY @ Crouse Hinds Theater
12/29 – Harrisburg, PA @ The Forum
The WIZARDS OF WINTER released their new original holiday music album, The Magic of Winter, last week. The Magic of Winter is produced by Eric Rachel at Traxeast (Symphony X, Skid Row, Styx) and can be ordered in physical format here or purchased on tour. The digital version will be available via iTunes tomorrow, November 20th. The album features the infectious single “The Spirit of Christmas”, which you can watch the enchanting music video for here.
Praise for The Magic of Winter:
“As we near ever closer to the arrival of Santa Claus, The WIZARDS OF WINTER have graced us with a wonderful soundtrack for the festive season. Whether you’re putting up the tree or wrapping presents, this 10-track CD provides endless amounts of joy… Give The WIZARDS OF WINTER a chance; you won’t be disappointed.”
– Aaron Small, BraveWords
“The band features original members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, so it comes as no surprise to hear sweeping, dramatic arrangements of holiday songs and classics on The Magic of Winter – a fine record to get your Santa spirit flowing in full force…”
– Johnny Firecloud, CraveOnline
“It’s a Christmas album that both metalheads and non-metalheads can enjoy.”
– Chad Bowar, About.com Heavy Metal
About The WIZARDS OF WINTER:
The WIZARDS OF WINTER are an eclectic group of musicians from the NY/NJ/PA tri-state region who perform classical and progressive-influenced rock music woven throughout a theatrical holiday-themed event. While the group’s style is undoubtedly inspired by the genius of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), the WIZARDS OF WINTER are far from a TSOtribute band. The Wizards’ original material is very unique and has a broad audience appeal, applied in a more intimate setting.
As a testament to the virtuosity of the group, several original members of TSO have joined the WIZARDS OF WINTER on their musical journey. Currently performing with the group are Guy LeMonnier and Tony Gaynor. Tommy Farese and Michael Lanning, also former members of TSO, have performed with the band on occasion as well.
WIZARDS OF WINTER is:
Scott Kelly – Music Director, Keyboards
Steve Ratchen – Bass
Sharon Kelly – Flute, Vocals
Fred Gorhau – Guitar
Mary McIntrye – Keyboards, vocals
Tommy Ference – Drums
TW Durfy – Guitar
Natalia Niarezka – Violin
Guy LeMonnier – vocals
Vincent Jiovino – vocals
Tony Gaynor – Narration
To learn more about the WIZARDS OF WINTER, please visit www.facebook.com/TheWizardsofWinter and www.thewizardsofwinter.com.
