The Wishing Season

Our family will gather, count our blessings and celebrate Hanukkah this week -- with piles of latkes and mounds of applesauce. All together we'll plow headlong into our busy Christmas shipping season. In our business (Wrap-N-Pack) we meet a lot of folks whose loved ones are far from home and this song was written with them in mind:




Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a joyful, peaceful New Year.

Christmas Carol Wishes
words and music © Erin Friedman

Wish you could see the first snowfall
And the lights upon the tree
But we'll miss you most of all
When we gather round to sing
‘The First Noel’ and ‘Silver Bells’
‘I'll Be Home For Christmas’
You're in our prayers
And Christmas Carol Wishes

This Christmastime
We wish you a Silent Night
Angels on high
A midnight clear and bright
These Christmas Carol Wishes
Are sent with all our love
Hoping next year you'll be here
To sing with us

Joy to the World - Auld Lange Syne
Faithful friends to gather round
O Holy Night Divine
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
May you find comfort and joy
In yuletide melodies
And when your day is done
A heavenly peace

Shasta County Stocking Stuffer

Just in time for the holidays - our new CD - Storms and Other Blessed Burdens -- is available in Redding at Wrap-N-Pack (2205 Hilltop Drive) and on CDBaby.com.

The 10-song collection was inspired by the Shasta County landscape, and it pays tribute to the power of love that sustains and endures on even the darkest of days. That's why we look so serious on the back cover. We often stand in the backyard and stare intently at our UPC barcode:

The album includes an original Christmas tune: Christmas Carol Wishes and a duet of Kris Kristofferson's Casey's Last Ride. If you're looking for a unique Shasta County stocking-stuffer for the country music fans on your list, the CD is only $5 if you buy it at Wrap-N-Pack. And if you'd like it autographed, just shoot me an email and we'll have it ready for you.

erin@stillmarried.net

Chuck McCabe Benefit Concert

Singer-songwriter Chuck McCabe endeared himself to local audiences with his clever song "I'd Rather Be in Redding." He endeared himself to me with his enthusiastic support of the local songwriting community.

Chuck had a brilliant sense of humor and a generous spirit and he left a great big hole in the folk music world - and in our hearts -when he passed away in July.

His friends and fellow musicians will pay tribute to Chuck and celebrate his life and his music at a benefit concert at Old City Hall on Friday December 3rd. Steve Kritzer, Jay Howlett, and Rolfe Wyer, Dennis McGregor, Willie Carmichael, Michael Gaither and Redding’s Jim Dyar will take the stage to raise funds.

Old City Hall is where I first met Chuck, and the encouragement and advice he gave that day were precious gifts. It is a perfect place and a perfect way to celebrate the man and his music.

From the press release:

"All musicians, production staff and friends are volunteering and the Shasta County Arts Council is contributing its performance hall.

Friday, December 3rd

Old City Hall, 1313 Market St, Redding

Doors open at 6:30, Concert at 7:00Tickets are $15 and are available at the door or in advance at Bernie's Guitar, (530) 223-2040, 3086 Bechelli Lane or at People of Progress, 1242 Center Street in downtown Redding (530) 243-3811

For more information or if not able to attend due to ticket price, please call Melinda at People of Progress (530) 243-3811"