This year, five-time GRAMMY nominee Matthew West released a new holiday single, “The Hope of Christmas,” and recorded a special acoustic performance of the inspiring single for the 98th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Due to public health concerns related to COVID-19, the National Park Service and National Parks Foundation did not host a live audience for this year’s event, but a virtual ceremony is available on-demand now throughout the holiday season. online.
A festive compilation of Christmas lights and music, national parks and holiday cheer, the 98th National Christmas Tree Lighting will bring joy to homes across the country. West is joined by other artists including American Idol finalist Colton Dixon; country singer/songwriter Jerrod Niemann; country artist Jillian Cardarelli; singer/songwriter Jillian Edwards; country music singer/songwriter and actress Kellie Pickler; country artist and American Idol winner Laine Hardy; country group Leaving Austin; award-winning gospel artist Lynda Randle and her brother, Michael Tait, lead singer of the Newsboys; Passion with Melodie Malone; the National Park Service Arrowhead Jazz Band; the Tucson Arizona Boys Choir; the official choir of the U.S. Navy, The Sea Chanters; and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.
At the end of his holiday season, West and his family will present “The Hope of Christmas,” a livestreamed event with four opportunities to see the show. The one-time events, presented in partnership with Medi-Share and POPWE, will be available only on the date and time of the show on December 18 (6:00 p.m. CST; 9:00 p.m. CST) and 19 (6:00 p.m. CST; 9:00 p.m. CST). Tickets are available now.
“This year, Christmas is obviously going to look a little different, so I’m throwing an at-home festival to spread holiday cheer and remind us all that Jesus is our hope this season and every season,” Matthew West shares of his holiday livestream event. “Join me, my band, and the entire West family for a virtual Christmas festival featuring wonderful music, fun skits, and a few surprises along the way. There’s a SNOW show like this! Pick a date and time that works best for you.”
Radio stations across the country are playing the new single, “Christmas Hope,” where it received 49 ready-made adds last week. Several stations are also joining in promoting this special live event to provide a unique way to connect with radio friends and spread hope to listeners across the country, even if they aren’t able to tour in person.
“I want to end this year by focusing on one important word: hope,” West continued. “Many times in 2020, I looked at the world around me and hope was hard to find. But at the heart of this season is a reminder that even if hope is not seen, hope can always be found. I pray that the song ‘Christmas Hope,’ along with these special performance opportunities, will bring this message of hope to our hurting world this December.”
Continuing to share new music throughout this pandemic year and encouraging his fanbase with his weekly Quarantine Quiet Time, West also launched his podcast “The Matthew West Podcast”, where he features new interviews every week. This week, he kicks off December with the Queen of Christmas, actress Candace Cameron Bure.
Author: [email protected] (Jessie Clarks)
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