Watch the WIZARDS OF WINTER Discuss their Favorite Things +
Witness a Behind the Scenes Studio Performance Here
A Theatrical Holiday Rock Event for the Entire Family!
Holiday rock ensemble the WIZARDS OF WINTER – featuring former members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rainbow and the bands of Alice Cooper and Ted Nugent – are set to kick off their annual U.S. holiday tour next Thursday, November 16 in Clearwater, FL.
Each night, the ensemble will evoke the spirit of Christmas, weaving a story entirely based on their latest album, The Magic of Winter, and new music. Each WIZARDS OF WINTER performance showcases soaring vocal harmonies, precision string instrumentation, outstanding guitar leads, powerful percussion and stunning keyboard work – taking the listener on a musical “sleigh ride”, covering many genres from pop to progressive rock.
In celebration of next week’s kick off, the WIZARDS OF WINTER have released a brand new, magical holiday track, “A Christmas Dream” – an enchanting medley featuring segments of the classic holiday tunes “My Favorite Things” and “Carol of the Bells”. Listen to the new single here, and also check out the WIZARDS OF WINTER discussing their favorite things plus a behind the scenes studio performance here.
The WIZARDS OF WINTER musical director and keyboardist Scott Kelly says about the track: “The arrangement for “A Christmas Dream” has been something that I’ve played during Christmas time for about 20 years; my kids grew up hearing me play it on the piano. It is wonderful to have been able to get together with the band and create a full dynamic orchestration that really brings the song to life. Everyone worked to make it just perfect. We hope it becomes a new holiday anthem.”
As with their most recent album, The Magic of Winter, “A Christmas Dream” is produced by Eric Rachel (in tandem with WIZARDS OF WINTER‘s music director/keyboardist Scott Kelly)at Traxeast (Symphony X, Skid Row, Styx). The track can be purchased via www.thewizardsofwinter.com.
Currently Confirmed WIZARDS OF WINTER Tour Dates:
11/16 – Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
11/17 – Melbourne, FL @ King Center for the Performing Arts
11/24 – Vineland, NJ @ Landis Theater
11/25 – Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Theatre
12/2 – Fairmont, MN @ Fairmont Opera House
12/3 – Mitchell, SD @ Corn Palace Theatre
12/8 – Bremerton, WA @ Admiral Theatre
12/9 – Longview, WA @ Columbia Theatre
12/10 – Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
12/14 – Warrendale, PA @ Jergels
12/15 – Derry, NH @ Tupelo Hall
12/16 – Englewood, NJ @ Bergen PAC
12/17 – Easton, PA @ Easton State Theatre
12/21 – Traverse City, MI @ City Opera House
12/22 – Adrian, MI @ Crosswell Opera House
12/23 – Canton, OH @ Canton Place Theatre
+ More TBA
Previous tours have seen the WIZARDS OF WINTER performing their brand of theatrical yuletide rock to tens of thousands of attendees and has grabbed the attention of mainstream media such as Entertainment Weekly and Yahoo Music. Check back for more performance confirmations and ticket links via www.wizardsofwinter.com/tour-dates/.
About The WIZARDS OF WINTER:
The WIZARDS OF WINTER are a 12-member ensemble performing classical and progressive-influenced rock music woven throughout a theatrical holiday-themed show. While the group’s style is undoubtedly inspired by the genius of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), the WIZARDS OF WINTER offer a diverse array of unique, original material with broad audience appeal performed in a more intimate setting.
In addition to current WIZARDS OF WINTER and former TSO members Tony Gaynor and Guy LeMonnier who joined the band in 2013, former TSO members Joe Cerisano, Michael Lanning and Tommy Farese have all toured with the band in previous years.
The WIZARDS OF WINTER‘s most recent full-length release is entitled The Magic of Winter.The album can be ordered in physical format here or purchased digitally via iTunes. The Magic of Winter features the unforgettable single, “The Spirit of Christmas”, which you can watch the spirited music video for here.
“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…” – CraveOnline
“It’s a Christmas album that both metalheads and non-metalheads can enjoy.”– About.com
“Excellent musicianship and dazzling special effects bundled into a story often results in entertainment spectaculars that audience members talk about months and months after the experience.” – Pollstar
“World class musicians that you need to experience live…” – Aquarian Weekly
“Powerful crescendos, the heavenly choir and the mighty chimes – you’ll be breaking out the eggnog in no time…” – Asbury Park Press
“Waken to the Sound is a masterpiece…” – BraveWords
WIZARDS OF WINTER is:
Scott Kelly – Music Director, Keyboards
Sharon Kelly – Flute, Vocals
Fred Gorhau – Guitar
TW Durfy – Guitar
Tommy Ference – Drums
Greg Smith – Bass
Ellie Krasner – Violin
Mary McIntrye – Keyboards, vocals
Guy LeMonnier – Vocals
Vincent Jiovino – Vocals
Shawna Mehall – Vocals
Tony Gaynor – Narration
To learn more about the WIZARDS OF WINTER, please visit www.facebook.com/TheWizardsofWinter and www.thewizardsofwinter.com.
