What better way to enter the spirit of Christmas than by reliving a very special event. Going through my photographs from the December 9 edition of Timber House Concerts, I recalled the magical atmosphere conjured up by Beta Radio. The Wilmington duo of Ben Mabry and Brent Holloman traveled from North Carolina for a series of Christmas shows on the road. The performances feature a collection of re-imagined Christmas favorites, along with plenty of original material. Brent’s wife Amanda joined in, giving these intimate house concerts even more of a family feel.
One of the best parts about frequenting Timber House shows is being introduced to new music. If you aren’t an existing fan of the artist going into the performance, you’re certainly a new supporter coming out. I’m always a fan of acoustic tones and haunting vocal harmonies, and Beta Radio ticks all the boxes for me. Hear for yourself by hitting their website. (Turns out Brent is a photographer and designer too, so you’ll get to take in his fine visual work as well.)
In addition to experiencing Beta Radio’s original music for the first time, my favorite part of the night was their rendition of “Little Drummer Boy”. Along with it being a simply beautiful read of the Katherine Kennicott Davis classic, the words for me delivered just the right message at just the right time.
It’s because the song turns the contemporary view of Christmas on its ear — not receiving, but GIVING. It reminds us that in lieu of physical gifts, in the absence of earthly riches, when we’re without anything of “tangible value”, we ALWAYS have something to give. To bring a smile. To honor those we care about the most. Even if it’s “just” a few musical notes, give them. You’re giving back from the gifts that were first given to you. And that’s a good, good thing.
Merry Christmas y’all.
Links:
Timber House Concerts
Beta Radio
Tour poster art by Chad Eaton
More Timber House blog posts
Body:
Canon 70D
Lenses:
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8
Canon 50mm f/1.8
Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6
Mike Nelson 
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