Christmas Show at Capitol Center for the Arts - featuring local guitar legend Myron Kibbee

       
   
   

      Rocking Horse Studio in Pittsfield, NH put on a Christmas show at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH recently.  First off, I want to apologize for any of the performers that I don't mention here.  I forgot to bring my little notebook to jot down what I saw, so I am doing this from memory.  Some of you may have seen a version of this show on WMUR's "Chronicle" show last year.  The show was nominated for an Emmy.  It was rebroadcast this year.  This Rocking Horse Studio has quite a stable of talented musicians (see how I linked horse and stable? can't teach that).
 

Myron playing at my friend's wedding

   
     I first heard of this place from the super cool and super talented guitarist, Myron Kibbee.  He plays on a lot of the recordings that take place there.  He also was onstage most of this night providing fantastic guitar work on a variety of songs.  On a side note, I am nearly related to Mr. Kibbee.  He is my good friend's brother in law.

     Some of the performers that I saw were Dusty Gray Band, Rachel Vogelzang, Pat and the Hats, Chris Peters, Delanie Pickering, The Connection, Steve Blunt, The Four Legged Faithful, Seth Wonkka, Gina Alibrio, Mike Dunbar and Hannah Michaud.

     I am not a huge Christmas music fan, but I enjoyed nearly every song I heard this night.  The arrangements and talent of the performers seemed to bring new life into most of these traditional Holiday tunes.
 
     Next, I will mention some of the songs that have stuck in my murky memory banks.  "Merry Christmas Baby" performed by Delanie Pickering, featured some soulful vocals and bluesy guitar work.  "Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses was performed by Michelle Coombes and Brittany Laine (the female singer from Pat and Hats) on vocals and backed by Pat and the Hats and other folks.  Pat and the Hats stayed on stage to perform a a sizzling version of "Father Christmas" by the Kinks.

     Chris Peters did a beautiful original song entitled "Christmas Angels" which hit me right in my single-guy heart.  I happened to meet him after the show and he gave me a couple of things that I am told you can download this song with.  He also gave me a copy of his latest full-length CD.  Chris was very kind and generous and a great representative of what the night was all about.

     One last song I would like to mention was the playful version of "Baby It's Cold Outside" performed by Mike Dunbar and Hannah Michaud.  I have included a video of this song and you can see the fun they had performing this classic.  Hannah also had the nicest Christmas sweater at the show.

             
     Special mention should go to Brian Coombes, who apparently is the head honcho at Rocking Horse and without him this great night would not have happened. If this show comes around again next year, you should buy your tickets fast. The event sold out this year.  Bring your family, a loved one, a friend, or just bring me.  whatever, just go.  Happy Holidays!