12/31/24 & 01/01/25 - HAPPY NEW YEAR'S TO ALL VAGABONDS, WANDERERS, ROVERS & NOMADS - 2025 WILL LIGHT UP OUR LIVES!

WOW! 2024 - AMAZING! INFLATION, WORLD IN CHAOS, NEW TECHNOLOGY THAT WE OLDER FOLKS DON'T UNDERSTAND BUT OUR SIX-YEAR-OLD GRANDSON USES LIKE WE USED ALL THREE OF OUR TV CHANNELS BACK IN THE DAY! LOL!  SOME THINGS JUST NEVER CHANGE. BUT 2025 IS WAITING FOR US TO VENTURE FORTH WITH OUR FRIENDS, OUR FAMILIES AND NEW AQUAINTENANCES WE MAKE ALONG LIFE'S EVER-CHANGING ROAD TO THE FUTURE.

To take all fervent readers of The Nomad Architect from 2024 to 2025 I have found some nice tunes that, hopefully, will motivate all nomads to stand strong and venture forth as we roll through our world as it is today and will be next year.

First Up - Keb Mo is a truly Unique Blues Artist. He brings interesting thoughts into his music. Here's one that is forewarning and humorous as we slide into the new year. The multi-Grammy winner gives us a nice listen - Keb Mo performing The Worst Is Yet To Come!

Next - I have become an ardent fan of Postmodern Jukebox. Their tag line is - Today's Hits Yesterday. Very cool music performed by a talented team of singers, dancers and players. Here is their take on the 1947 classic - What Are You Doing New Years Eve?

Last But Not Least - Enjoy the song that has been associated with New Years since 1788. The Tenors perform a unique version of the classic - Auld Lang Syne.

That's it for the 2024 Christmas Countdown, from The Nomad Architect, with a bit of New Years thrown in. Until next December 1, 2025, weekly posts will be made on travel and other subjects. And I wish every listener and reader a Happy New Year!

D.L.Stafford

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12-25-24 MERRY MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL WANDERERS, NOMADS AND LOVERS OF LIFE!!!

Merry Christmas - as we all celebrate this special day of the year. Christ was born on this day over 2,000 years ago. In addition, this day is celebrated all over the world except for a few malcontents! LOL! We celebrate this day in many different ways - some go to church, some light a fire and enjoy some hot chocolate, and all kids can't wait to open every gift with their name on their packages! I have a vivid memory of getting up way too early to play a small pinball game from Santa. My dad got up and said I needed to go back to bed so I did, but I didn't go back to sleep! Here's to all readers - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Selecting music for this day is reasonably simple except there is so much out there. But her goes - hope all Nomads will enjoy these special tunes on this celebrated day.

First Up - One of the greatest choirs in the world - With 360 singers, The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square performs The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah written in 1741.

A Special Christmas Day Song - The great Andre Bocelli ,with a group of kids, performs a classic tune that became a big radio hit in 1934 - Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

A Soulful Take on a Classic - In 1992 master musical talent Quincy Jones produced this amazing arrangement of the Hallelujah Chorus with a talented lineup of great singers in a Gospel Choir from Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration Album - Hallelujah!!

And the preacher said - Somebody say Hallelujah!

It's my fervent hope that everybody everywhere has a great 2024 Christmas.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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12/24/24 CHRISTMAS EVE -THE JOYS OF THIS HOLIDAY AS WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST & WATCH OUR FAMILY & FREINDS LAUGH & LOVE!

Tonight, December 24, holds a special place in our hearts. Cynics say it's over commercialized. But you can't be a cynic when you're still a kid. Tomorrow, I will enjoy watching my own kids and their kids opening gifts to celebrate this glorious day. Here are two tunes & a poem that express the meaning of this holiday for our faith and our joy.

First Up - Lady A, winner of 78 awards from Grammies to CMA's, gives a deep soulful version of the classic - The First Noël (On This Winter's Night)

Bonus Track - This brings back a memory of great singing by a great artist way before he said he was leaving the USA. December 7, 1984 w- Bruce Springsteen, winner of 20 Grammies, performed in my hometown at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Back then he still had the great saxophone player Clarence Clemons and his best friend Steve Van Zant leading The E Street Band that could bring down the roof. They closed this killer concert with - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town!

 

BONUS TRACK 2 - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is an alternative title of the 1823 poem A Visit from St. Nicholas by the American writer and scholar Clement Clarke Moore. Here is this famous poem read by numerous actors as part of Mousetrap Theatre Projects charity.

To all Vagabonds everywhere North, South, East & West - Enjoy tonight and tomorrow with the ones you love and stay warm!

D.L.Stafford

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12/23/24 NO. 3 ON THE NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - INNOVATION AND COOL TUNES ON A MONDAY!

Here we are my fellow Vagabonds - the last Monday before the Big Day. Assuming all of you have your tree up, have wrapped all the gifts and bought all the food you're gonna' cook for family and friends then let's listen to one of the most innovative "music collectives" performing today. Post Modern Jukebox is known for reworking popular modern music into different vintage genres incorporating mostly swing and jazz. Founded in 2011 in New York, this group of players, singers and dancers has had over seventy artists perform a variety of songs from the early forties to current day on over seven continents with 1.9 billion views on You Tube!

First Up - Here is PMJB with award winning dancer Demi Remick hoofing strong - Sleigh Ride!

Bonus Track - Here is another talented singer with PMJB, Lauren Tyler Scott, giving a bluesy rendition of - I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!

Bonus Track 2 - Von Smith is what I call an insane vocal talent. His multi range singing, sometimes in the stratosphere, combined with a unique style of performing, particularly with PMJB, makes him a talent that will make you turn up the sound. Take a listen as he performs a classic written in 1943 - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

Here's hoping all Vagabonds out there have a Bright Yuletide!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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12/22/24 NO. 4 ON THE 2024 THE NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - ONLY THREE DAYS 'TILL WE CAN STAND & SING NOEL!

Christmas Day is coming sooner than we think. Only three days to celebrate the most astounding event in the history of our world - the birth of Jesus Christ. It's the last Sunday before the big day - this post has a couple of tunes about the feelings of joy as we celebrate the greatest holiday.

First Up - From Salina, Texas enjoy Grammy and Dove Award winner Contemporary Christian Singer Chris Tomlin perform with We The Kingdom - Christmas Day.

Bonus Track - Contemporary Christian Band MERCY ME performs - Our Lullaby (Christmas at the Cabin)

Only three days 'till the big day to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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12/21/24 NO. 5 ON THE NOMAD ARCHITET 2024 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - TODAY, LET'S KEEP IT SIMPLE FOR CHRISTMAS.

I have always been an obsessive music listener, singer and leader of singers since I sang K-K-K Katey in the fourth grade at Kate Sullivan Elementary in a place I always return to - Tallahassee, Florida. Solos, trios, quartets, ensemble, choirs - you name it I have been involved my entire life with music. Today, we're going to hear some REAL music from Texas, Nashville, North Carolina and Arkansas. These artists make music from the soul for the soul.

First Up - I've always said - there's something different about singers from Texas. Hayes Carll proves that beyond any doubt - Enjoy this pleasant simple tune - Hayes Carll laying down some tender lyrics bout family at Christmas - Grateful for Christmas

Bonus Track - From the Buckle of the Bible Belt Nashville - Dan + Shay give us a simple tune about love and Christmas - Take Me Home for Christmas.

Bonus Track 2 - Singing since they were kids in Concord, North Carolina two brothers Seth and Scott Avett formed a band in the late 90's and began delivering heartfelt music to the delight of their fans everywhere. We had the pleasure of seeing this talented folk/rock band at Cascades Amphitheatre in Tallahassee - The Avett Brothers - Away In A Manger.

Bonus Track 3 - This Bonus Track is not, strictly speaking, a Christmas song. It tells a story about the power of Jesus to make life loving and cherished. The duo of the Grammy Award winning Christian Rock Artist Zach Williams and the legendary Queen of Country Dolly Parton perform this powerful song and video - There Was Jesus.

I hope these simple tunes will give you a reason to smile as the big day approaches soon.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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12/20/24 NO. 6 ON THE NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT FROM THE GIRLS!

Truly great singers are special. When you hear a super talented female singer hit a high C on any song it messes with your ears, your head and your heart - in a good way! That is especially true when the female artists featured today sing about Christmas. These singers are not pop stars or even rock stars. They are simply amazing singers with rare vocal skills. So, take a listen at some of the greatest female artists laying down some serious tunes celebrating Christmas.

First Up - Two names that make you perk up your ears - Kelly Clarkson and Wynona. One, a multi-talented Grammy winning singer and host of a highly rated morning talk show is comfortable doing every genre from Rock to Country, combines with one of the greatest Country artists to ever hold a mike, a multi award winner as well. Turn up the music for - Kelly Clarkson & Wynona tearing up Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.

Bonus Track - Another multi-Grammy winner hits the high notes with power and grace. This young glamorous light-lyric soprano with a range of over three octaves can deliver the high notes with complete perfection - Tory Kelly performs Oh Holy Night live from Capitol Studios.

 

Bonus Track 2 - An All-Female Irish Musical Ensemble founded in 2004 has toured the world delivering beautiful music with power and passion. Today, enjoy this quartet of great singers with instruments and a small choir - Celtic Women perform O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)

These ladies just make you love Christmas even more!

Merry Christmas to All!

D.L.Stafford

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12/19/24 IT'S GONNA' BE COLD SOMEWHERE ON CHRISTMAS DAY - BUT NOT HERE IN GOD'S COUNTRY!

CHRISTMAS SEASON - YOU GOTTA LAUGH TO KEEP FROM CRYING RIGHT! THE SHOPPING, THE COOKING, THE RELATIVES, THE WEATHER & OTHER THINGS THAT CREATE STRESS CAN MAKE THIS GREATEST HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR KINDA' TEDIOUS!

We need to laugh - Here are a few thoughts on our most beloved holiday and Winter Weather.

First Up - I recently watched the Grammy winning comic Lewis Black lay down some thoughts about cold weather he experienced touring Canada. Very perceptive, but kinda' scary! He is a funny man. This video, unlike most of his work, doesn't contain a lot of expletives. He's just ranting about the weather in one of the coldest places on earth.

Bonus Track - Famous comic Jim Gaffigan has some thoughts worth considering for Christmas.

Bonus Track 2 - One of the hottest comics performing today - a short take - Nate Bargatze on Christmas Decorations.

A couple weeks ago, I was checking out in Publix and asked the cashier where he was from. He replied - Alaska. So, I said, welcome to God's Country - does it ever get warm in Alaska? He smiled and said I do remember once it got up to 70 in July! Cold place indeed. In our fair city it is projected to be 70 on Christmas Day. Somebody say Hallelujah!

Merry Christmas to all Vagabonds cold or hot!

D.L.Stafford

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12/18/24 NO. 8 ON THE 2024 NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY IS HERE TODAY!

 From the know everything everywhere online info site - WIKIPEDIA :

"The Little Drummer Boy" (originally known as "Carol of the Drum") is a popular Christmas song written by American composer Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. First recorded in 1951 by the Austrian Trapp Family, the song was further popularized by a 1958 recording by the Harry Simeone Chorale; the Simeone version was re-released successfully for several years, and the song has been recorded many times since. In the lyrics, the singer relates how, as a poor young boy, he was summoned by the Magi to the Nativity of Jesus. Without a gift for the Infant, the little drummer boy played his drum with approval from Jesus's mother, Mary, recalling, "I played my best for him" and "He smiled at me". 

For listeners everywhere, here are some innovative versions of this classic Christmas Tune!

First Up - The award-winning Gospel singer David Phelps presents his drumming jazzy take on this classic Christmas tune - The Little Drummer Boy. 

Bonus Track -You name it, she's won it - GMA Dove Awards, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards and Grammies - Lauren Daigle brings us her version of The Little  Drummer Boy!

Bonus Track No. 2 - This one will get you moving. -  Another multi-award-winning group - from Australia - Christian pop/rock group For King and Country delivers a rousing performance at the 2019 CMA Country Christmas - The Little Drummer Boy - Turn It Up! 

Hope you enjoy this music today. Christmas will be here in a week! 

Merry Christmas to ALL

D.L.Stafford

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12/17/24 NO. 9 ON THE 2024 NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE SCENES

Things do indeed change. It's been quite a while since we went to see a movie in a theatre. Recently, I read a reviewer's opinion on why the movie industry is struggling today. Movie attendance at theatres is 46% of what it was in 2021. That is significant. In a simple statement this movie observer answered the question - NETFLIX, AMAZON, TV and, most important, bad movie making.

So today, let's enjoy a quick look at some scenes from some of the greatest Christmas movies ever made

First Up - The tongue scene from A Christmas Story reminds us all of what it's like being a kid and having no idea what you're doing. I never did anything like this because, well, it just doesn't get that cold where I live. Of course, the tongue and the kid finally get rescued because of the teacher, the fire department and the cops. And like they say - kids will be kids!  - 1983 - A CHRISTMAS STORY! 

Bonus Track - This often-hilarious movie became a Christmas Classic. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid and a great supporting cast, this movie shows the clueless dad trying to light the house for Christmas. As usual, mom figures it all out and saves the lights to the astonishment of the scornful neighbors - 1989 - CHRISTMAS VACATION!

Bonus Track 2 - IMHO, this is the greatest Christmas movie ever made. 

This amazing film places George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), in the role of the hero, as it appears as though George’s good works ultimately helped save his family and community throughout economic hardship. The film follows George on Christmas Eve as he contemplates taking his own life. Before he can take any serious action, a second-class angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) appears and begins to show George how the lives of people around him would have been different if he were not there to intercede. Many of the scenarios that George must grapple with would be frustrating for anyone, thus in many cases George’s emotional responses make sense. However, George's wife Mary (Donna Reed) bears almost identical burdens and always responds as she must to protect her family. - 1946 - The final scene - It's A Wonderful Life!

The Nomad Architect recommends watching these films before Christmas. These great films will make you smile, laugh and cry!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

D.L.Stafford

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12/16/24 IT'S MONDAY AGAIN - BEEN WATCHING MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER WRAP PRESENTS ALL WEEKEND - I KINDA FEEL GUILTY THAT I DIDN'T HELP! LOL!

The other day, female member of my family stated, without any hesitation, that she hated Christmas! It was not my one and only, however. My in-law said she will not have Christmas anymore. She doesn't really mean that! I tried to cheer her up to no avail. We have two grandsons almost 8 and almost 3. Therefore, we are required to looove Christmas. Today's musical lineup is for all you Vagabond Christmas Cynics who may wallow in your down and out feelings on this Monday. Amazon has changed the entire process of gift purchasing for all ages. So, we should all be happy - no more wandering all over the mall anymore.

First Up - The King of Rock & Roll, Elvis, is joined by the great Country Star Martina McBride to perform one of the greatest Christmas tunes ever recorded for Christmas on his 1968 COME BACK SPECIAL seen by 48 million viewers on NBC! It was his first concert performance in seven years - BLUE CHRISTMAS.

Bonus Track - Winner of numerous Grammies, Keb' Mo' is referred to as a Post-Modern Blues Artist. He's been described as a living link to the seminal Delta Blues that travelled up the Mississippi River and across the expanse of America. This blues guitarist and singer performed at The Moon in Tallahassee February 2021. He was fabulous. Enjoy some sweet blues for Christmas as Keb' Mo' performs Merry Merry Christmas.

Bonus Track 2 - To quote one critic - "Joe Bonamassa is one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Joe Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream." This amazing purveyor of some of the best blues you will ever hear was in our fair city January 2018. I missed it - Dang!

Turn it up for  Joe Bonamassa - Lonesome Christmas!

All Vagabonds need to get happy for the Big Day coming in nine days! No blues allowed after today!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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12/15/24 IT'S SUNDAY - NO. 11 ON THE 2024 NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN HONORS SOME CLASSICS FROM GREAT ORCHESTRAS AND GREAT SINGERS

During the Christmas Season, music, of every genre, is everywhere. Today The Nomad Architect is featuring some high-quality music from some of the greatest composers, singers and orchestras any fan of music will enjoy. Today's music is all about celebrating The Reason for The Season!

First Up - One of the greatest choirs in the world first sang August 22, 1847, as The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Hearing this amazing choir and orchestra live is near the top of my Bucket List. A line from their Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square web site:

"This 360-member chorus of men and women, all volunteers, has performed at World’s Fairs and expositions, at inaugurations of U.S. presidents, in acclaimed concert halls from Australia and Europe to Asia and the Middle East and on television broadcasts. The choir has even been referred to as “America’s Choir,” as a result of their high standard of popular choral music."

Listen to this amazing group of singers and players performing a classic written in 1914 - CAROL OF THE BELLS.

Bonus Track - Here is a fascinating and talented Acapella group of female singers from Brigham Young University. Formed in 2003, this group has won many awards for their tight, uniquely arranged songs they have performed in various venues primarily in the US. Listen to these talented vocalists as the perform in this unique video - Oh Holy Night by BYU Noteworthy!

Bonus Track 2 - One of the greatest works of classical choral symphony music was Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Recently, I had the pleasure of singing the 4th Movement - Ode To Joy with the Tallahassee Community Chorus and Orchestra to celebrate Christmas. This amazing work was first performed in 1824. The master composer was almost completely deaf when he composed this stunning classical work. Enjoy a FLASH MOB as thy perform Ode an die Freude (Ode to Joy).

Merry Christmas to all lovers of great music!

D.L.Stafford

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12/14/24 - NO. 12 ON THE 2024 NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRSTMAS COUNTDOWN - ACAPELLA ALL THE WAY!

As a singer I have sung in every way imaginable - mostly in church. I'm a loud and proud tenor and I have a brother who used to peel paint off the wall when he sang. I have such great memories of singing with some of the most talented singers in choirs, quartets, trios and ensembles since Leon High School Chorus '65-'67. Singing acapella is the most demanding way to sing. You have no guitar or band to cover for you. Today we're going to enjoy some of the best unaccompanied singing being performed today.

Amazing Acapella Singing from the best - Enjoy!

Since 1992 the multiple Grammy winning group PENTATONIX has been dazzling audiences in the USA and Europe. This tune shows their strength of vocal performance singing this unique arrangement of a classic first printed in 1760 - GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN!

One of the best Acapella Country Groups performing today - HOME FREE sings an amazing arrangement of a classic written in 1847 - OH HOLY NIGHT!

Combining humor, funny dancing and unbelievable acapella vocals - STRAIGHT NO CHASER performs THE CHRISTMAS CAN CAN!

Only eleven days left. Time moves faster this time of year.

Merry Christmas to all Listeners!

D.L.Stafford

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12/13/24 - OH MY! IT'S FRIDAY THE 13TH IN DECEMBER - NO. 13 ON THE 2024 NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

What to do on this day. It's Friday the 13th in December. Since 1985 Friday the 13th has occurred five times in the month of December - Ominous! I searched high and low and could not find anything that wasn't totally disgusting or too weird for Christmas songs on Friday the 13th. So today we'll hear some different tunes that will get you ready for the weekend.

Dancing Dancing Dancing! Here we go to celebrate the Big Day right around the corner!

Darren Criss has performed primarily as an actor on the stage, film and TV. He also sings on occasion. Here is a cool tune that will get you hoppin' for the weekend!

Another lively video with Kylie Cantrall singing and dancing with a crew of singers and dancers - RED CHRISTMAS from "Descendants: Rise of Red".

Red is the thing at Christmas, even on Friday the 13th. Enjoy your weekend!

MERRY CHRISTMAS X 25!

D.L.Stafford

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12/12/24 - IT'S THURSDAY - Seems like the perfect day for the one and only Michael Bublé

I must confess to all Vagabonds out there - I'm a huge Michael Bublé fan. This Canadian artist does something that I never thought was possible. He has become an international superstar singing like Frank, Tony, Bing and others from the forties. He's even recorded New York New York! I remember the first time I saw him perform live with over ten thousand fans loving every second of every tune. I was completely amazed that in the modern, fast-moving world of popular music that people wanted to hear the music of my grandparents. This amazing artist sings some uber cool new stuff too.

So, let's listen to this great multiple Grammy winner lay some old and new Christmas tunes on us.

Premiered November 2024 - Michael Bublé premiered his latest Christmas tune, with a thought-provoking message, joined by multiple award-winning Country Artist Carly Pierce - Maybe This Christmas!

Here's a great performance - Bublé having fun singing Jingle Bells with a gorgeous, talented trio from England - The Puppini Sisters. 

Another amazing performance - Bublé, with orchestra and the Trinity Boys' Choir, bring us a heartfelt arrangement of the great classic Silent Night.

Michael Bublé delivers great music at Christmas and whenever and wherever he stands on a stage with a microphone. All Good!

Merry Christmas - Less than two weeks 'til!    

D.L.Stafford

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“When grandpa was ill and could’ve died, I would have swapped all my record sales so he could get well. He is the reason I am a singer. He was my best friend growing up.” – Michael Bublé  

                                                                                                                                       

12/11/24 - NO. 15 ON THE NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - KIDS SINGING LOUD AND PROUD AT CHRISTMAS!

Hearing kids sing, particularly at Christmas, always makes older kids, especially really older kids, smile and sometimes cry. I had the pleasure of directing a group of extraordinarily talented kids, high school and college, for ten years in church - ANTHEM. It was a never-ending work of joy. I'm so fortunate knowing that every son, daughter, nephew, and niece in my family, some now in their forties and fifties, can sing with passion and power. The times we join our voices at Christmas as well as random times just hanging out always brings a leap in my heart strings.

Today - some talented kids singing about the event that changed the world - the birth of JESUS!

MARY DID YOU KNOW - ONE VOICE CHILDREN'S CHOIR

SHINE - A NEW CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS SONG BY ANGIE KILLIAN AND CHOIR

Singing from young or old just makes you feel better! Especially at Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

D.L.Stafford

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