It’s that time of year, when the winter solstice makes for the shortest amount of daylight in the year — and voices raise in joyful chorus to celebrate Christmas.
The Era spoke with several local musicians and asked them to share their favorite Christmas songs or memories.
Michael Miller, singer/guitarist for Fluidity, said that he has more than one favorite Christmas song.
“My all-time favorite Christmas song is ‘The First Noel.’ I love that song,” he said.
Miller added that he played it for the first time during a Christmas play at his church and said that “it was a blast. “
“I also love ‘Blue Christmas.’ Particularly Elvis’ version because my mom always loved it as I was growing up and she would play it while we decorated for Christmas. Those memories are something I will always cherish,” Miller shared. “I also like ‘I’ll be Home for Christmas’ because it reminds me of all our hero soldiers who fight for our freedom and sacrifice their lives for us. I honor all veterans and those currently serving for their selfless acts of courage.”
Dave McGarry, guitarist for Red Sun Rising, also weighed in on favorite holiday tunes.
“My favorites are Let it Snow! by Dean Martin and Jingle Bell Rock by Hall & Oates,” McGarry said.
Dog Day Sunrise guitarist Anthony Manning took a different approach, offering a memory of Christmas that still greatly resonates in his mind.
“(For) Christmas in 1984, my parents got me my first electric guitar. Up until then I played and learned on an acoustic. I would ride my bicycle down to the local music stores of the day and stare at the electric guitars. No matter how many walks I shoveled, how many papers I delivered or how many lawns I mowed, I never had enough money to buy one,” he explained.
Little did Manning know that when he woke up on Christmas morning, a Fender Stratocaster was waiting to be unwrapped underneath the tree.
“This helped me give the universal gift of music and continue a journey that has taken me beyond my wildest dreams. So every year at this time, I think to myself, ‘Another little boy or girl will be waking up on this day to something that will help them continue down a path that will help them experience their wildest dreams. Maybe a musical instrument, maybe sports gear, maybe a computer.’”
Manning said, “Whatever it is, when I think about it, it puts a smile on my face.”
