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The Wizards of Winter

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The Wizards of Winter
The Wizards of Winter performing live at the Effingham Performance Center in Effingham, Illinois, December 18, 2015
Background information
GenresChristmas music, Progressive Rock, Symphonic Metal
Years active2009–present
LabelsBreaking Bands, LLC
MembersScott Kelly
Sharon Kelly
Steve Ratchen
Fred Gorhau
Guy LeMonnier
Greg Smith
Mary McIntyre
Tommy Ference
T.W. Durfy
Vincent Jiovino
Tony Gaynor
Shawna Mehall
Jenn Hamilton
Websitewww.thewizardsofwinter.com

The Wizards of Winter is a progressive rock holiday music band from the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut working under the label Breaking Bands, LLC. They are an eclectic group of musicians with strong classical and progressive rock influences woven throughout their musical careers.[1][2]

History

The Wizards of Winter were formed in 2009 by Scott Kelly, Sharon Kelly and Steve Ratchen as a way to give back to the local community.[3][4] A holiday concert was held to support a local food pantry which was in severe financial straights. They continued to give back the community through several successful holiday music performances in 2010. In 2011 the band embarked upon writing their own Christmas rock opera, "Tales Beneath a Northern Star".

The Wizards of Winter released their own self-titled Christmas rock opera album based on entirely original material in 2014.[5][6] In 2015, they released their second album, The Magic of Winter [7][8] which includes their single featured on Yahoo Music "The Spirit of Christmas."[9][10] Cover art for both albums was designed by legendary rock cover artist Ioannis.[11]

Throughout their tours, the band supports research for Choroideremia through "Angels for Mark" and donate proceeds from sales of their single "March Of The Metal Soldiers" to the Wounded Warrior Project.[12][13] The Wizards of Winter performed a few of Trans-Siberian Orchestra's greatest hits but most of the concert consists of their own original music.[14][15]

The Wizards have toured with five of the original members of Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Tommy Farese, Guy LeMonnier, Tony Gaynor, Michael Lanning and Joe Cerisano). Guy LeMonnier and Tony Gaynor joined the band as an official members in 2014.[16][17] In 2015 The Wizards of Winter toured with Greg Smith, longtime bassist/vocalist Ted Nugent.[18] In 2016 Greg Smith joined the band as an official member.[19]

Discography

References

  1. ^ "Broadway World: The Wizards of Winter".
  2. ^ "Broadway World: Infinity Hall".
  3. ^ "Plaza Live Orlando".
  4. ^ "Lehigh Valley Live: The Wizards of Winter".
  5. ^ "Plaza Live Orlando".
  6. ^ "Sea of Tranquility Four Star Review of The Wizards of Winter".
  7. ^ "Pollstar: The Magic of Winter Album".
  8. ^ "Crave Online".
  9. ^ "Yahoo Music: The Spirit of Christmas".
  10. ^ "Huntington News".
  11. ^ "Melodic Rock".
  12. ^ "Melodic Rock".
  13. ^ "Angels for Mark Charity Christmas Show".
  14. ^ "Broadway World: The Wizards of Winter".
  15. ^ "Play Station Theater:The Wizards of Winter".
  16. ^ "Broadway World: The Wizards of Winter".
  17. ^ "Play Station Theater:The Wizards of Winter".
  18. ^ "Age of Metal: The Wizards of Winter joined by Ted Nugent bassist".
  19. ^ "Brave Words: WIZARDS OF WINTER ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE DATES".
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