2021 Christmas Stories, part two.
Just one week until this year’s 34th-annual marathon!
Here’s the second half of the Christmas Stories recorded exclusively for the 2021 edition of my Holiday Radio Show on 103.3 fm WPRB.
Part one can be enjoyed here!
The deadline for this year’s submissions is coming up on Monday, December 19th!
Bela Koe-Krompecher – “Love, Death & Ornaments”
Bela Koe-Krompecher is a social worker in Columbus, Ohio. He is the author of the book “Love, Death & Photosynthesis” as well as the author of several graphic comics. He never says no to pizza or coffee. You can read his piece here.
Seth Herzog – “Night Under the Stars”
Seth Herzog is a comedian and actor, who is currently a regular sketch performer and the resident comedian for NBC’s Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Seth is the producer and host of the much-beloved, long-running downtown NYC comedy showcase Sweet.
Junk Miles with Joe Moore – “Christmas Visit”
Chip Chantry and Jeff Lyons from the podcast Junk Miles pay a visit to the studio. They’re joined by comedian Joe Moore, who debuts a new holiday classic.
The Brooklyn Housers – “Disco Christmas”
Gabby (age 10) + father Matt drop a new holiday hipshaker on you. Hey hey hey!
The ‘Mericans – “Creatures Are Stirring”
The ‘Mericans are a Rhode Island band founded in 2001 by singer / guitarist Chris Daltry (Purple Ivy Shadows). Check out “A Merry ‘Merican Christmas,” their full collection of holiday material on Bandcamp!
Uncle Greg McGarvey Feat. Nolan & Penny – “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
Singer, songwriter, guitarist, and visual artist Greg McGarvey lives just up the road in Hopewell, NJ. His debut album, Count The Colors, was released in 2020.
The Rutabega – “A Coda For Saint Nicholas”
South Bend, Indiana‘s The Rutabega — singer-songwriter/guitarist Josh Hensley and drummer/carpist Garth Mason — have been weaving punchy, short pop songs and sweeping, ten-minute epics together seamlessly since 2011. By my count this is their sixth contribution to the marathon.
Deth Elf – “Elfbear”
The second of two reworkings of Grauzone’s wonderful 1981 tune Eisbär recorded for last year’s broadcast was accomplished terrifically by Deth Elf.
Chicago Now – “Hex-mas Enduction Hour”
It was very difficult to keep the secret that after the All-Fall Set in 2021 I’d be debuting a complete track-by-track reimagining of The Fall’s “Hex Enduction Hour” with brilliant seasonal lyrics. But it was worth it. Who fills the stocking? You mind telling me? From the mind of Neal Markowski. All proceeds go to Planned Parenthood.
Tri-State Santa – “Christmas Train”
Sohrab, Michael and Geoff of SAVAK set out to make a 80s electro-reggae song while sprinkling some M&Ms (Morricone & Mancini) on their Sugar (and spice) Minott. Don’t let the Christmas Train pass you by!
Kristine Kennedy and Her Husband – “Cup Of Cheer”
kristine kennedy: guitar, bass, vocals
her husband: drums, guitars
Joel R.L. Phelps – “Just Been Born”
Canada’s Joel Phelps is a member of The Downer Trio. Joel remains the only artist to record a “Christmas Story” every year since this tradition began in 2011. Demos and new recordings of his have been posted on Soundcloud, with the majority of his studio output available through Bandcamp.