Band is available for interviews, both live and print. Contact Robert Berry: 408-370-3313, berrysongs@aol.com, www.classicrockchristmas.com
Radio/TV PSA music clips and script available
SPECIAL NOTE: This show benefits local food banks. Bring food donations for the barrels, and get your picture taken with the band!
Press Release
A Classic Rock Christmas with December People
5 Rock Stars Perform Mega-Holiday Concert for the Whole Family
Food Donations benefitting Open Heart Kitchen
Pleasanton, Calif. Classic rock ‘n roll hits, classic holiday carols…fused into one amazing, eye-popping, high-energy and family-friendly Classic Rock Christmas show. The holiday rock extravaganza known as ‘December People’ (www.classicrockchristmas.com) returns again this year to the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton for two big shows on Saturday, December 12, at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. (note: 8 p.m. show is sold out at this writing.) DP’s passion, a close second to the music, is feeding the hungry. Food donation barrels will be in the lobby the day of the concerts, benefitting the Open Heart Kitchen Holiday Food Drive, which helps to feed the hungry in the local Tri-Valley. Bring donations, and get your picture taken with the band!
Reserved seating tickets are $30-$40, plus food donation for the lobby barrels (see www.openheartkitchen.org for suggested items). Free parking in lot. Purchase online at www.firehousearts.org, by phone at 925-931-4848, or in person at the Firehouse Arts Center Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue in Pleasanton.
New this year are special appearances by Pleasanton’s own Amador High School Marching Band Drumline, and the San Francisco-based handbell choir Bell Appeal.
Says DP founder Robert Berry, “Our main focus beyond the music is supporting local charities… These guys have sold millions of records in the other bands they perform with…but as December People, they get to come together to play traditional holiday songs in Classic Rock style for the benefit of local food banks…December People’s goal is to put on a spectacular holiday show and at the same time give back to the local community.”
For all their work on behalf of the hungry, December People was recently awarded The Army National Guard Total Victory Team Medal. The honor is intended for National Guard troops post- 911who have been activated and/or civilians that played a part of extraordinary support for their troops and have contributed to supporting freedom.
Part of the citation reads: “I have determined that December People’s goals, values, and actions are those that are in line with the KSARNG (Kansas Army National Guard). Their giving hearts and passion for our community, country, and Soldiers has greatly impacted the success and call to action to support our community and our Soldiers. December People exemplify the seven Army values; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. They are truly part of the National Guard Team and deserve to be recognized as such.”
The band: DP guiding light Robert Berry has performed with some of the best musicians of today and of the Classic Rock era. Keith Emerson, Carl Palmer, Sammy Hagar, Ambrosia. He is currently bass player for the Greg Kihn Band.
Gary Pihl, guitars/vocals for December People, has been a member of the band Boston since 1985. Before Boston, Pihl was guitar for the Sammy Hagar Band where he played on many hit records with Sammy. Gary adds his undeniable rock edge to the December People sound.
Driving DP’s pulse is David Lauser, a world renowned drummer with a real love for all kinds of music, and with over 30 years with the Sammy Hagar Band. David brings the thunder like nobody’s business. He has a passion that can only be matched by the December People.
The Tubes’ keyboardist Dave Medd performs not only on keyboards for DP, but also adds the high lead vocals. Medd has also toured with Quicksilver Messenger Service and Alliance among many others. Berry notes that Medd’s power and dexterity are key in the DP sound.
Jack Foster, on second guitar for December People, is a world-renowned singer/songwriter, and has three acclaimed solo albums out in Europe and Japan with his Jack Foster Band. His skills in vocal harmony and his technical guitar chops are invaluable to the DP mix.
One part tribute band, one part radio-play sensation, one part traditional Holiday music, and all parts just plain fun is probably the best way to describe the unique Holiday phenomenon of December People. The music is fantastic, with a fun holiday-party atmosphere, and the hungry benefit…win, win, win.
The Firehouse Arts Center is dedicated to inspiring passion through the arts. The center is comprised of the 227-seat Firehouse Theater, the 2000 square foot Harrington Gallery, classrooms and rehearsal space, the grand atrium lobby, and the famous interior glass bridge. With world-class performing and visual arts, exciting interactive programs for all ages, and a state-of-the-art venue which opened in 2010, we combine the sophistication of the culturally rich Bay Area arts landscape with the hospitality and intimacy of our own home town. The Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in downtown Pleasanton. Media: Jane Onojafe, jonojafe@cityofpleasantonca.gov, or 925-931-4855
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