AKRON, Ohio — Akron musician Ryan Humbert will bring his holiday tradition online for 2020, hosting his Holiday Extravaganza concert on Friday, Dec. 18.
This year marks the 12th annual show, which Humbert typically performs at the Akron Civic Theatre in December. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Humbert decided to move his show to a virtual format, partnering with 16 local venues and music industry organizations to stream the performance on Facebook.
Humbert is known for both his original music and also his honky-tonk and country band The Shootouts. The show will feature a mix of holiday classics.
Though the concert will be free, Humbert will encourage viewers to donate to the National Independent Venue Association’s (NIVA) Emergency Relief Fund, which is set up to help U.S. music venues make it through the pandemic.
“Sadly, entertainment venues were the first to be closed and they will be the last to open,” Humbert said in a press release. “The economic recovery process will extend way past just reopening the front doors. Live venues and events are an important part of bringing together our communities, and NIVA is helping them survive through the coronavirus pandemic. I’m thrilled to be able to help spread this message far and wide through our generous sponsors and partners.”
Along with Humbert, other prominent local musicians will make an appearance at the virtual show, including his singing partner and The Shootouts member Emily Bates, The Vindys members John Anthony and Ed Davis, The Speedbumps member Kevin Martinez and Clay Colley, the singer of local band Black Wolf and The Thief, according to a press release.
The show will be filmed at the Weathervane Playhouse in Akron, Ohio. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, and can be viewed on the following Facebook pages:
–Defiance Community Cultural Council
–Miami University Performing Arts Series
–Ohio Arts Professionals Network
Find more information about Humbert’s show at his website, ryanhumbert.com/2020.
Source: www.cleveland.com
