Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Andy Williams and Celtic Thunder: Christmas Past, Christmas Presents, and Christmas Future

December is chock full of Christmas specials, including Christmas episodes of regular series. In the beginning of the month, to thank our loyal supporters and encourage other viewers to become new members, WSBE proudly presents a number of nostalgic and contemporary musical specials.

Why is membership so important? Because all of that terrific, unique programming you enjoy all year on WSBE (programming you will not see on other PBS stations) is only made possible by your financial support directly to WSBE. Donations to any other PBS station do not benefit WSBE. We are all independently owned and operated, no matter how close we seem geographically.

If you become a member in December, you get two thank-you gifts (hence the "Christmas Presents" in this blog's title). Keep one or both for yourself or give to someone else: Christmas Lights DVD and a gold-tone snowflake ornament from Adornment by Campany & Thornton Fine Jewelry in South Kingstown.



On Monday, December 6 at 7:30 P.M., join us live in the studio (that's always fun!) as we present memories of Christmas Past:
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS: THE BEST OF THE ANDY WILLIAMS CHRISTMAS SHOWS features classic clips of various Christmas specials from The Andy Williams Show. Filling homes with seasonal cheer, the specials became a cherished holiday family tradition. The digitally re-mastered production numbers are complete with magnificent sets and costumes and a cast of singers, dancers, and skaters. Quintessential moments include Williams’s solos of “Silent Night” and “Ave Maria,” as well as performances with his brothers for “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and with the Osmonds for “Silver Bells.” Interviews with Williams, and Bobby and Donny Osmond are interwoven with the show clips.

If you miss the first broadcast, look for re-broadcasts on Thursday, December 9 at noon, and Friday, December 10 just after midnight, at 12:30 A.M.

As for Christmas Future? Well, with such youth among the members of Celtic Thunder, I figure fans can look forward to years of future Christmas specials from these performers. *smile*

The heart-warming new CELTIC THUNDER CHRISTMAS features holiday standards such as “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Silent Night” as well as a few specially-written originals, “Going Home For Christmas," “Christmas Morning Donegal” and “Our First Christmas Together." Filmed in Poughkeepsie, NY, in front of a live audience, Irishmen Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Paul Byrom, Ryan Kelly, and Scotsman George Donaldson of Celtic Thunder bring together their affinity for a great popular song with outstanding live performances, pay homage to cherished holiday favorites. The show is a holiday celebration for all the family, performed with Celtic Thunder magic. CELTIC THUNDER CHRISTMAS airs after HAPPY HOLIDAYS: THE BEST OF THE ANDY WILLIAMS CHRISTMAS SHOWS special: Monday, December 6 at 9 P.M., with on Thursday, December 9 at 1:30 P.M., Friday, December 10 at 2 A.M. and 8:30 P.M.