Current New York residents and Radford favorite sons The Gregory Brothers performed the first of two holiday shows at The Coffee Mill in Radford Dec. 20 (as previewed here in the Dec. 13 issue of the New River Voice).

Evan, Andrew, and Michael sang a variety of familiar tunes and some originals including their 25-minute radio-show-style telling of Gift of the Magi by O. Henry (who was born just down the road in Greensboro, N.C., and died in Asheville). The original score was written by The Gregory Brothers with Michael playing the Burl Ives role of narrator/singer like Burl Ives from “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.” Michael was no snowman singing “Holly Jolly Christmas,” but he did a nice job nonetheless.

The guys also had a couple of guests to assist on a few songs and in the longer radio-show piece. Overall the audience was treated to some acapella music, a nice harmonizing original about Kris Kringle, a great song by Evan called I Pray on Christmas, and even a rap version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

The Coffee Mill was packed and attendees left with a bit of Christmas cheer

Rather than tips for the band, donations were accepted for the Beans & Rice and the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley.

If you get a chance to see the guys on Saturday, you should do so—and take some cash to donate to two worthy nonprofit organizations. The show starts at 7 p.m. The Gregory Brothers will also perform Dec. 27 at 202 Market in Roanoke. That show begins at 9 p.m. and tickets are $8.

~ Tim W. Jackson loves holiday music and is Editor of the New River Voice. See his lists of favorite holiday tunes in the Listen section of newrivervoice.com. And tell us your favorite holiday songs!