By Dave Parsons
Christmas show spectaculars happen across the country in December, but few are as star packed, and for an incredibly good cause, as A Very Yinzer Christmas. Yinzers, the local word used to describe many from the Pittsburgh, PA area, came together to benefit kids and adults from Band Together Pittsburgh – all who live on the autism spectrum.
The event was coordinated by Pittsburgh singer/songwriter and music veteran, Joe Wodarek, has been going on for several Christmas seasons. The show brings together the cream of the crop that Pittsburgh has to offer musically, in many different styles of music, along with Band Together Pittsburgh musicians. Band Together Pittsburgh is a non-profit 501(c3) with a mission is to enrich the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum, through participation, education and mentorship, using the power of music. You can read more about them at www.bandtogetherpgh.org.
The show kicked off with David Granati sharing his guitar talents, before giving way to local favorite cover artists Totally 80’s. (I just want to point out they only got one song, but the lead singer went all out on the outfit, makeup and hair). The evening flowed from the legendary rocker Norm Nardini, to the legendary vocal group Pure Gold. Morgan Gruber did a rocking version of Run, Run Rudolph, to a very bluesy Merry Christmas, Baby by John Vento and Xavier Allen and Jon Belan’s version of All I Want For Christmas brought the first half of the show to a close.
The second half of the show brought variety the same as the first half with folks like Abby Abbondanza, the voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins National Anthem performances, Jeff Jimerson, Scott Blasey of the Clarks, and the finale being brought in by the head houserocker of Pittsbrugh, Joe Grushecky.
A Very Yinzer Christmas Setlist:
Set 1
1 David Granati – Carol of The Bells
2 Totally ‘80’s – Step into Christmas
3 Norman Nardini – Merry Christmas Everybody
4 Stevee Wellons – Christmas Time Is Here
5 Cello – The Grinch
6 Justin Capozzoli – Givin’ All My Lovin’
7 Pure Gold – I’m Your Santa Claus Baby
8 Devon Johnson – We Three Kings
9 Morgan Gruber – Run, Run Rudolph
10 Joey Wodarek Jr. – Christmas All Over Again
11 John Vento & Xavier Allen – Merry Christmas Baby
12 Benj Spencer & Jack Wessel – God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman
13 Bailey Taylor – One Wish
14 Stevee Wellons & Joe Wodarek – Baby, It’s Cold Outside
15 Jon Belan – All I want for Christmas
Set 2
1 Spectrum Band – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
2 Joe Hnath & Patrick Lah – Cold December Night
3 Abby Abbondanza – Let’s be Naughty
4 Dan & Bailey Taylor – Feel the Love of Christmas
5 Pete Hewlett – What Christmas Means to Me
6 Joe Wodarek – This Christmas
7 Jeff Jimerson – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
8 Bill Deasy – The Christmas Song
9 Clinton Clegg – Please Come Home for Christmas
10 Joe Wodarek, Pete Hewlett & Jeff Jimerson – That Silent Night
11 Scott Blasey – The Most Wonderful Time
12 Joe Grushecky – Happy XMAS (War Is Over)
13 Final – Santa Claus is Coming to Town
