Since its inception in 2005, "Holiday Cheer for FUV" has doubled as a celebration of music and an annual fête thanking the station's enthusiastic fans, according to concert organizers.
The sold-out throng at Manhattan's Beacon Theatre on Nov. 30 was headlined by Amos Lee and Friends, but was spiced up with a variety of surprise singing guests
The Holiday Cheer concert will be replayed the week before Christmas including Dec. 22 at 6 p.m., Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 24 at 1 p.m.
In addition to Amos Lee, featured singers included Lucinda Williams, Corinne Bailey Rae and The Record Company. As Joni Mitchell might say, WFUV was a "star-making machine" that night: Unscheduled guests were Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive and Philadelphia-based singer Mutlu.
"I love Amos Lee. Lucinda is great," said Scott Rives of Saddle River, N.J.
Rives said he was looking forward to hearing The Record Company, which he had just been exposed to the day before on WFUV 90.7.
Fittingly for Rives, Rae moved the audience with her rendition of Joni Mitchell and Herbie Hancock's wintery tune "River," which suggests skating away from our troubles.
Entertainment began with WFUV Program Director Rita Houston dedicating the concert to Sharon Jones who died on Nov. 18. Jones had rocked the Beacon last year with The Dap-Kings as part of Holiday Cheer 2015 with Brandi Carlile.
Lee played "Holiday Song," a solo prayer for worldwide peace. He introduced The Record Company, a Los Angeles trio of Chris Vos, Alex Stiff and Marc Cazorla. The band's three-song set: "On the Move," "Off the Ground" and "Don't Let Me Get Lonely" highlighted this year's hit album "Give It Back to You," and sparked a standing ovation.
Corny O'Connell, WFUV's morning host, introduced Rae, whose career includes Grammy wins for Album of the Year and Best Rhythm and Blues performance in 2012. Rae released her third album, "The Heart Speaks in Whispers," this year.
Rae's also sang "Like a Star," from her 2006 debut album, "Hey, I Won't Break Your Heart," "Been To The Moon" and "The Skies Will Break."
For more details on the WfUV concert, click here:
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