Wizards of Winter storm into Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Nov. 27 with holiday rock opera
From a press release:
Can you feel the spirit of Christmas in the air? Just in time to spread the joy of the holidays, yuletide rock ensemble Wizards of Winter are announcing “An Evening with Wizards of Winter” – a 20-city U.S. tour beginning Nov. 19 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and ending on Dec. 29 in Harrisburg. Featuring original members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Wizards of Winter perform an entire set of original holiday music at each stop of their theatrical, family-oriented rock opera experience.
The Wizards of Winter will bring their heavy metal, progressive rock vibe and heartwarming sounds of the season to the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre on Friday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m.
Tickets, which are $34 and $44, plus fees, are on sale now and available at the Kirby Center box office, online at kirbycenter.org, by phone at 570-826-1100, and at wizardsofwinter.com.
The “Evening with Wizards of Winter” experience is emphasized by music from the ensemble’s recently released original Christmas rock opera album, “Tales Beneath a Northern Star.” The libretto and music together take the listener on a journey throughout space and time on the night of Christmas Eve in search of the true meaning of the season.
The Wizards of Winter are currently in the studio recording their brand new full-length album, “The Magic of Winter,” coming soon. Take an early listen to their new single, “The Spirit of Christmas,” below:
“The band is very excited to share some new music with our fans on our upcoming U.S. tour! We hope it will get people into the Christmas spirit early. All of us are proud to offer a tremendous holiday experience that the whole family can enjoy,” music director and keyboardist Scott Kelly said.
Throughout their history, the Wizards of Winter have performed to packed theaters across the Northeast. Every night is like lightning in a bottle with the ensemble firing at all cylinders, and every year, the band’s stage production becomes a new yearly tradition for another fan.
The Wizards of Winter are an eclectic group of musicians from the New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania tri-state region who perform classical and progressive-influenced rock music woven throughout a theatrical holiday-themed event. While the group’s style is undoubtedly inspired by the genius of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Wizards of Winter are far from a TSO tribute band. The Wizards’ original material is very unique and has a broad audience appeal, applied in a more intimate setting.
As a testament to the virtuosity of the group, several original members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra have joined the Wizards of Winter on their musical journey. Currently performing with the group are Guy LeMonnier and Tony Gaynor. Joe Cerisano, Tommy Farese, and Michael Lanning, also former members of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, have performed with the band on occasion as well.
Wizards of Winter is:
Scott Kelly – music director, keyboards
Steve Ratchen – bass
Sharon Kelly – flute, vocals
Fred Gorhau – guitar
Mary McIntrye – keyboards, vocals
Tommy Ference – drums
TW Durfy – guitar
Natalia Niarezka – violin
Guy LeMonnier – vocals
Vincent Jiovino – vocals
Tony Gaynor – narration
