Local musicians will take the stage in A Very Yinzer Christmas concert
Certain holiday music is often associated with a specific singer — such as Andy Williams’ voice in “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
What if the sounds of that song brought to mind one of Pittsburgh’s well-known musicians?
Well, they just might because Scott Blasey, lead vocalist of The Clarks, will be singing that tune on Monday at the second annual A Very Yinzer Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Benedum Center. It features favorite Christmas songs performed live by Blasey and other local musicians to benefit Band Together Pittsburgh, a non-profit with a mission to enrich the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum through music. Musicians from Band Together Pittsburgh will also perform.
Being on stage with so many of his peers is a “thrill ride,” Blasey said via email.
“Like a three-minute roller coaster on a summer day,” Blasey said. “Singing the Andy Williams classic ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ on the Benedum stage surrounded by some of Pittsburgh’s finest musicians will literally take my breath away.”
The production is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Joe Wodarek, who pulled together the musicians to create a CD recording in addition to the live show. Wodarek asked each musician their favorite holiday song and also for an alternate in case two chose the same one (there were no duplicates).
This isn’t the first time Wodarek has led such a gathering. In 2018, he coordinated a group of singers to create a song to raise money for families who lost loved ones in the Tree of Life tragedy.
“We got through that together,” Wodarek said.
Only in its second year, the new venue for A Very Yinzer Christmas is more than double the size of the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall, which held last year’s sold-out show.
“The talent in the Pittsburgh area is incredible and spans over generations,” said Wodarek, whose son will also perform. “Where else can you find that much talent on one stage? Pittsburgh comes together for whatever we need. I just want to celebrate all the talent we have in the region while doing something meaningful.”
Band Together Pittsburgh was founded in early 2016 by John Vento and Ron “Moondog” Esser. Vento said Wodarek’s vision is wonderful and that music during the holidays is special because you hear the classics and they bring back memories of your childhood.
“These are guys who people in Pittsburgh admire for their talent on stage,” Vento said. “This will be one of the few times they are all on the same stage.”
Some young people on the spectrum who benefit from events and programs through Band Together Pittsburgh will also sing.
“Listening and seeing the musicians from Band Together Pittsburgh perform in and of itself will fill your heart,” Wodarek said. “These kids are awesome.”
Music is such a powerful healing force in so many peoples’ lives, Blasey said. He said he is proud to support Band Together Pittsburgh.
The Spectrum Band will perform Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” which recently became Billboard’s No. 1 song in the country — for the first time, 65 years after its release.
3WS Radio, which is where Wodarek recalled listening to his first holiday music, is presenting the show. When he was a kid, his first CD was called “Home for the Holidays” and had artists such as B.E. Taylor, Johnny Angel and Sputzy singing Christmas songs.
“I saw and heard some of them perform,” Wodarek said. “What is so beautiful about this show is that we are all a part of this one special night and because it’s such a wonderful time of the year.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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