‘Holiday Wishes’ CD release concert set for Dec. 5
Written by Sarah Ottney | Managing Editor | sottney@toledofreepress.comMusic and Make-A-Wish will be the stars of the show at a CD release party celebrating the “Holiday Wishes 2” benefit CD.
The event is set for 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at The Blarney Event Center, 601 Monroe St.
Many of the local musicians and media personalities featured on the two-disc, 44-track CD will perform. There will also be hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
Tickets are $5 for adults. Children 12 and younger are free.
“We hope people will join us to meet the musicians, mingle with the Make-A-Wish families and organizers, and just have a great Christmas party,” said Michael S. Miller, Toledo Free Press editor in chief and the CD’s executive producer. “Last year, we saw Chrys Peterson sing live with Hepcat Revival and Ramona Collins singing Christmas songs with Voodoo Libido. We’re expecting even more jam sessions and surprises this year.”
Music will start around 6:30 p.m., said Greg Tye of Hepcat Revival, who is organizing the performers. Among other performers will be Chrys Peterson with Hepcat Revival, Kerry Patrick Clark, Kyle White, Krystal Monique, The Wanna Bees, The Sanderlings, Skoobie Snaks, Russ Franzen, Steven J. Athanas, Voodoo Libido and more.
“It’s going to be a great selection of talent and we’re trying to mix it in as best we can to make the magic happen that night,” Tye said. “There will probably be some sort of jam component for those artists who might not be able to have their whole group there. They’re all very talented people.”
The two-CD set will be available for $15. CDs are also available at area Panera Bread locations, select Levis Commons stores and as digital downloads.
All parts of the project, from the recording to the mixing to the cover art, were done locally. Because the CD was sponsored by GM Powertrain Toledo, UAW Local 14, WNWO, 101.5 The River, A&D Glass & Mirror, Levis Commons and Panera Bread, proceeds go directly to Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana to benefit children in the 21-county Northwest Ohio region.
Last year’s inaugural “Holiday Wishes” CD sold out quickly, raising more than $25,000 for Make-A-Wish.
Make-A-Wish, which grants wishes for children with medically life-threatening conditions, does not receive federal, state or local government funding. Wishes are paid for by donations and donations in kind, including gifted airline miles. The average cost of a wish is $8,000.
“We want to grant the heartfelt wish of every child,” said Emily Denholm, marketing communications coordinator for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. “Every wish is different. We really try to focus on the uniqueness of every wish.”
Tye said he hopes area residents come out to support Make-A-Wish and hear some great local music.
“I hope people walk away with an appreciation for how talented the musicians and performers are here in town and how passionate they are about supporting a good cause,” Tye said. “People will be exposed to some of the premier acts in town. It’s an opportunity to hear someone they may never have heard before. It may be a real ear-opening experience.”
Tags: Chrys Peterson, Hepcat Revival, Holiday Wishes 2, Kerry Patrick Clark, Krystal-Monique, Kyle White, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Russ Franzen, Skoobie Snaks, Steven J. Athanas, The Sanderlings, The Wanna Bees, Voodoo Libido
