Christmas might be over but there is still plenty of great holiday music to catch up on thanks to Expressions: Songs For The Seasons. We produced two new programs featuring four talented groups that will surely keep you in the spirit well into 2023.
Our first new episode featured the harp and flute duo of Meredith Bocek and Melanie Valencia performing an ethereal set of instrumentals. The interplay between the two instruments was on full display in their performances of ‘It Came Upon A Midnight Clear’, ‘Cherry Tree Carol’ and ‘Silent Night’.
This episode also features the dynamic duo of Chloe Solan and Alyssa Crosby. Both of these talented singers belted out holiday favorites with Chloe also playing the piano. ‘Let It Snow’, ‘O, Holy Night’ and ‘Please Come Home For Christmas’ are presented for your holiday enjoyment.
For episode two, the Harpur Studio Jazz Band took the stage. Under the direction of Professor Laurence Elder, this 14 piece ensemble from Binghamton University put their own jazzy spin on ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’, ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘Silent Night’.
We also welcome singer/songwriter London McDaniel for a set of original songs that will surely become a staple on your future holiday playlists. London is joined onstage by pianist Nick Abelgore and stand-up bassist Harry Aceto.
In addition to these full episodes we also have stuffed our stockings with performances from these groups that didn’t make the broadcast episodes. My favorites include Chloe’s solo performance of the Joni Mitchell classic, ‘River’ and the Harpur Studio Jazz Band’s take on ‘White Christmas’. You can also find more performances from Meredith and Melanie as well as the London McDaniel Trio.
We also have you covered if you want to learn a little more about all these talented performers thanks to the Expressions: Songs For The Seasons Digital Director’s Cut. I was able to interview all of our holiday performers in a live broadcast that was streamed over WSKG’s Facebook and YouTube Channels. Check out the full program here and stay tuned for our next livestream, where you can interact with our musicians!
In addition to the two new programs we also refashioned performances recorded in 2017 for two half hour retrospective episodes. Relive past holiday glories from the Mansfield University Brass Band, Binghamton High School Steel Drum Band and The Binghamton University Chamber Singers in program one. Our second collection features performances from Celtic Charm, Kaskeset and the Endwell Community Chorus.
Finally, we have released all four of the Expressions: Songs For The Seasons programs as stand alone podcasts on our Expressions feed. Download and listen today on many of your favorite podcast platforms or visit yourpublicradio.org for more information.
Let us know what your favorites were this holiday season and be on the lookout for more great arts content from Expressions in 2023. Feel free to contact the producer at apioch@wskg.org if you have any comments-we always love to hear from our audience.