| WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2008 –
Mannheim Steamroller, the recording group famous for
putting a new twist on traditional Christmas music, is
hoping to spread holiday cheer to the military this season
by giving away 1 million CDs to troops and their families.
The group and its creator, Chip Davis,
have started giving away copies of its multiple Christmas
CDs to troops at home and abroad. The group also is giving
away copies of its children's pop-up book, “My Little
Christmas Tree.”
“Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to work
with many in the armed services,” Davis said. “This is my
expression of gratitude for their efforts and sacrifices,
especially during this season.”
A special effort is being made by the group to distribute
CDs and pop-up books to Walter Reed Army Medical Center,
Washington, D.C.; Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio;
National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. and other
facilities that care for wounded troops. Distribution of CDs
also will take place at military bases.
CDs already have been distributed to more than 40 USO
locations, including the European and Pacific commands --
reaching troops in Germany, Japan and Korea.
In addition to the CD giveaway, several wounded
servicemembers and their families will be special guests at
Mannheim Steamrollers' Christmas concerts throughout
December.
Freedom Alliance, a Virginia-based group that honors
military service, has chosen a "veteran family" that will
join Davis and his group for an all-expense-paid trip Dec. 6
to Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., for "Grinchmas,” a
live musical performance of “How the Grinch Stole
Christmas.”
Davis, who has been quoted as describing his style of music
as "18th century classical rock 'n' roll," has a long
history of working with the military. Last year his group
partnered with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation to
donate Christmas CDs to military servicemembers and their
families.
Mannheim Steamroller's “Christmas Live” show will be
re-broadcast on the Pentagon Channel this year.
"I am committed to continuing this support of the military,”
Davis said. “Hopefully our Christmas music will create a
sense of home for the holidays for the men and women of the
U.S. armed forces. It is also important to us to share the
sounds of the season with all those who keep our country
safe." |
