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The Frontmen Deliver Their First Ever Christmas Concert at the Tennessee Ballroom in Nashville
by Rich and Laura Lynch
The Frontmen unwrapped their first ever Christmas concert in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday evening, November 25, 2024. The talented trio will be celebrating the holidays fronting multiple nights of a A Country Christmas Dinner Show at the Gaylord Opryland. This annual event is billed as an unforgettable evening of classic and original holiday music paired with country songs along with an add-on of a seasonal three course meal crafted by the Gaylord's award-winning chefs.
The Frontmen bring their "Holidays & Hits" show to Nashville.
The Frontmen "Holidays & Hits" shows are scheduled for November 25-26; December 2-3; 14-16; and, 23-25. We had the pleasure of being seated up front and center to observe their historic opening night beginning their residency that is only one part of the resort's wider selection of annual Christmastime offerings.
The Frontmen features the dynamic voices of 90's country legends: Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Larry Stewart (of Restless Heart) and Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas). The group started off as an impromptu act for soldiers. Then in 2017 they began to officially call themselves The Frontmen of Country. Today, this supergroup is known for delivering engaging performances packed with fan-favorites from their three award-winning bands along with songs from some of the artists who have influenced them.
Tim Rushlow of The Frontmen.
"Merry Christmas everyone," greeted Tim as he took us back to the 1950's for a swinging "Jingle Bell Rock" followed by their original tune about Christmas lights. Richie stated that there are millions of lights here (at Opryland) so make sure you see them all tonight. This slower visual piece was also a reminder of the birth of Jesus. Later the trio would honor the reason for the season with a moving "O Holy Night".
They also paid tribute to the great songwriter Roger Miller with a sweet take on "Old Toy Trains". "Please Come Home for Christmas" was a bluesy reminder that the holidays can be hard for some. Many might remember that track as the Eagles released their cover of it back in 1978. Later and on a lighter note, Rushlow lead us through a roused version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" reminiscent of how Bruce Springsteen handled it.
Larry Stewart of The Frontmen.
The Frontmen were supported by a full band. They took turns in the lead role while also providing harmonies on each other's hits. So, in addition to holiday songs fans were taken back to the 80's and 90's for some classic country such as "I'll Still Be Loving You" (Restless Heart) and before playing another one of their chart toppers "When She Cries". Larry shared that it is his favorite and has lived every line of that song with a shout out to his wife who has stayed by his side for 40 years. As this was opening night there was a lot of family and friends of the band seated around the ballroom's many large round tables.
"I'm Already There" and "Amazed" were Lonestar numbers that the trio aptly performed along with "Amy's Back in Austin" (Little Texas). Rushlow mentioned that their record label did not want to release the regional "God Blessed Texas" but he was glad that Little Texas stuck to their guns as it charted leading to a Grammy nomination and ended the festive and celebratory Opryland night on a big note.
Richie McDonald of The Frontmen.
The Frontmen's "Holidays & Hits" is just one of many events taking place at the Gaylord which is decked out with signs stating "So Much Christmas". Come see dazzling displays, enjoy winter activities such as ice skating or check out their signature attraction ICE! starring Frosty the Snowman brought to life through colossal ice sculptures. All three of the hotel's atriums are decorated in festive holiday and music themed displays.
Outdoors there is a striking Nativity scene in which the story of Jesus is told and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to investigate so one can really immerse themselves in Christmas at this resort. If you are unable to check out The Frontmen there is an option to enjoy Terri Clark's "It's Christmas...Cheers!" scheduled for November 27-30 and December 1, 4-6 and 17-22, 2024 at the same location.
The Frontmen trio also featured a full band as they began their Christmas residency in the Music Valley.
Related Links:
For more information on THE FRONTMEN and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
The Frontmen |
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland |
Darryl Worley Unwraps a New Christmas Show at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville |
Tim Rushlow Is Back and Better Than Ever With His Big Band |
Lonestar Meets Up in Nashville Once Again for a Good Cause
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