It was Christmas in June last week for a bevy of Rural Rhythm artists in Pineville, KY.
They had assembled at Pineville’s Bell Theater for the filming of Christmas: The Mountain Way, set to air on BlueHighways TV later this year. On hand were Audie Blaylock, Steve Gulley, Dale Ann Bradley, Cumberland River, Marty Raybon, Common Strings and students at the Cumberland River Academy.
Mike Scott served as the host, and also performed on the show which features songs from the above mentioned artists. Scott’s wife Brenda and Steve Gulley’s wife Debby also join in the Christmas-time harmony.
As we enjoy special holiday programming during Christmas time, how many of us reflect on the lead time required to complete these shows after filming? Add to that the fact that TV folks take a good bit of their vacation time starting around Thanksgiving, like the rest of us, and you can see why most Christmas programs are shot quite some time in advance.
Christmas: The Mountain Way was conceived by Rural Rhythm President Sam Passamano, music business veteran Tony Spinosa, and Gulley. Passamano said that the idea was a natural.
“Christmas is a very special time in our hearts and souls. It connects us with family, friends and traditions passed down through the generations. Over the years working with many artists with ties to the mountain community I have heard a strong recurring message about The Mountain Way. We have asked some artist friends to help us put together a TV special filled with all the traditions, memories and cherished music that represents the charm, beauty and grace of Christmas: The Mountain Way.“
The program will air several times on BlueHighways TV during November and December 2012. Both an audio CD of the soundtrack, and a DVD with additional footage, will be available for sale over the holidays as well.
Penni McDaniel with Hope River Entertainment shared these photos snapped during the production.
