Welcome back to the Music Minute as we wind down the year. There are some really good shows lined up this week and it's time for Mack McKibben's yearly Christmas play/musical.
"O Come Y'all to Covington" is Dec. 20, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. at the Covington First United Methodist Church. Tickets are available at McKibben music or Covington FUMC.
This Covington Christmas tradition, now in its seventh year, returns to the Covington First United Methodist Church for a three-night run starting Tuesday evening, Dec. 20. Written by Mack Mckibben, it's a story of Christmas from a Covington perspective and features a mix of traditional and modern Christmas music mixed in with acting scenes and dialogue.
Starring Andy Irwin and several others, “O Come Ya’ll to Covington” is a really great story with lots of comedic relief. And the music and singing is top notch. An all-star band and a 40-member chorus reads like a who's who of Covington talent. I still haven't attended one of these in person, unfortunately, but I did get to see last year's DVD and was just thoroughly blown away. Everything is so good — the script, the acting, and especially the music and the singing. Mack McKibben is a Newton Co. treasure, y'all!
Harvey Dills performs at The Social House on Thursday Dec. 22 at 9 p.m.
Dills has been impressing folks around town and beyond for quite some time. He's a rock and blues guy with a great voice and strong songwriting and musicianship. I'm going to defer to one of my favorite musical writers, Julie Byrd Bare, and let her give you the 411 on Dills:
"Harley Dills is the frontman for the great southern rock and blues band, Sanctified Revival. Without his usual backup, Harley strips down music to its bare bones acoustically and shows the soul of blues rock. Influenced by Southern Rockers before him, Harley uses his heart twisting voice that is reminiscent of early Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, to take you through the story of the song. Expect other great local musicians to join him on stage for an amazing Thursday night of acoustic music."
JJ and Micah live at Amici Covington. Friday December 23rd. 8PM This super talented duo returns to the groovy pizza joint on College Avenue. Smooth and soulful, these Drive Time players always bring a fun and eclectic mix of music and like so many others, such as their Drive Time cohorts — Chris, Jon & Scott, seem to really find a higher level and energy when they're playing at this spot. Always a great night! The Christmas Concert live at The Listening Room at Irish Bred Pub. Featuring Leighlynn Shine, Hannah Martin and Jason Bowen. Friday December 23rd. Doors open at 7PM. Free admission with a donation of a non-perishable food item. This looks to be like a fine night of superb music with a Christmas theme. Hannah Martin, highly regarded Atlanta singer-songwriter, will be making her second appearance at the Listening Room in as many weeks, and this will be the first appearance there for Bowen. Headlining the lineup will be local group Leighlynn Shine who have been wowing folks all over our neck of the woods with their incredible harmonies, great musical work and well-written originals. A sound that's a true fusion of Americana and Country, you won't want to miss it. There will be live music at most of the other regular spots during the week and on Friday, but probably not much going on Saturday as it's Christmas Eve. Enjoy the great music, friends, and Lord willin' and if the creek don't rise, we'll see you next edition.
Marshall McCart wears many hats, but being a musician & musical enthusiast are chief among them.
