The Wizards of Winter

The Wizards of Winter
The Wizards of Winter performing live at the Effingham Performance Center in Effingham, Illinois, December 18, 2015
Background information
Genres Christmas music, progressive rock, symphonic metal
Years active 2009–present
Labels Breaking Bands, LLC
Associated acts The Kings of Christmas, Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Website www.thewizardsofwinter.com
Members Scott Kelly - Music Director, Keyboards
Sharon Kelly - Flute, Vocals
Fred Gorhau - Guitar
Chris Green - Guitar
John O. Reilly – Drums
Greg Smith - Bass
Rebecca Graae - Vocals/Keyboards
Karl Scully – Vocals
Vincent Jiovino - Vocals
Shawna Mehall - Vocals
Tony Gaynor – Narration

The Wizards of Winter is a progressive rock holiday music band from the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut working under the label Breaking Bands, LLC. They are an eclectic group of musicians with strong classical and progressive rock influences woven throughout their musical careers.[1][2]

History

The Wizards of Winter were formed in 2009 by Scott Kelly, Sharon Kelly and Steve Ratchen as a way to give back to the local community.[3][4] A holiday concert was held to support a local food pantry which was in severe financial straits. They continued to give back the community through several successful holiday music performances in 2010. In 2011 the band embarked upon writing their own Christmas rock opera, Tales Beneath a Northern Star.

The Wizards of Winter released their own self-titled Christmas rock opera album based on entirely original material in 2014.[5][6] In 2015, they released their second album, The Magic of Winter,[7][8] which includes their single featured on Yahoo Music "The Spirit of Christmas".[9][10] Cover art for both albums was designed by rock cover artist Ioannis.[11]

Throughout their tours, the band supports research for choroideremia through "Angels for Mark" and donates proceeds from sales of their single "March Of The Metal Soldiers" to the Wounded Warrior Project.[12][13]

The Wizards have toured with five of the original members of Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Tommy Farese, Guy LeMonnier, Tony Gaynor, Michael Lanning and Joe Cerisano). Guy LeMonnier and Tony Gaynor joined the band as an official members in 2014.[14][15] In 2015 The Wizards of Winter toured with Greg Smith, longtime bassist-vocalist for Ted Nugent.[16] In 2016, Greg Smith joined the band as an official member.[17]

In November 2017, the band released a new single in advance of their tour. "A Christmas Dream" is a medley featuring segments of "My Favorite Things" and "Carol Of The Bells" arranged by keyboardist Scott Kelly. [18]

In June 2018, long-time TSO drummer John O. Reilly joined the Wizards of Winter as a full member.[19]

In September of 2018, the band announced that vocalist Guy LeMonnier was not returning for the 2018 tour and welcomed Karl Scully of The Irish Tenors into the band. Also new to the band's lineup for 2018 are guitarist Chris Green of Tyketto and vocalist Rebecca Graae.[20]

Discography

References

  1. "Broadway World: The Wizards of Winter".
  2. "Broadway World: Infinity Hall".
  3. "Plaza Live Orlando".
  4. "Lehigh Valley Live: The Wizards of Winter".
  5. "Plaza Live Orlando".
  6. "Sea of Tranquility Four Star Review of The Wizards of Winter".
  7. "Pollstar: The Magic of Winter Album".
  8. "Crave Online".
  9. "Yahoo Music: The Spirit of Christmas".
  10. "Huntington News".
  11. "Melodic Rock".
  12. "Melodic Rock".
  13. "Angels for Mark Charity Christmas Show".
  14. "Broadway World: The Wizards of Winter".
  15. "Play Station Theater:The Wizards of Winter".
  16. Corinna Lorenz (November 19, 2015). "The Wizards of Winter joined by Ted Nugent bassist". The Age of Metal. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
  17. "WIZARDS OF WINTER Announce Additional Holiday Performance Dates - Bravewords.com". BraveWords.com. September 21, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2016. Greg Smith - Bass
  18. "BraveWords: WIZARDS OF WINTER STREAMING NEW SINGLE "A CHRISTMAS DREAM"; BEHIND-THE-SCENES STUDIO VIDEO POSTED".
  19. "WIZARDS OF WINTER ANNOUNCE NEW DRUMMER, FORMER TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA MEMBER JOHN O. REILLY". June 19, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  20. . September 3, 2018 http://bravewords.com/news/wizards-of-winter-holiday-rock-ensemble-announce-2018-holiday-season-tour-dates-plus-new-members. Retrieved September 3, 2018. Missing or empty |title= (help)
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