Christmas songs have a special place in Beth Marie Anderson’s heart.
“I just love Christmas songs. There are a lot I really resonate with,” said the Qualicum Beach songstress.
She’s sharing that affection for holiday carols during an upcoming acoustic concert at the Harbour City Theatre Saturday (Dec. 12). It features Darcy Philips on piano and a mix of original holiday songs and Christmas classics.
“I am really looking forward to this tour. I think it is going to be so fun,” she said.
During the performance she likes to share the stories behind the lyrics.
“Some of my stories are funny and amusing, so people get to know me a little better,” said Anderson.
She explains how her songs were created so audience members can gain a greater connection to the lyrics. Her song Merry Christmas to Me was created with a co-writer. They started talking about his Christmas experience, that turned out to be disastrous. He went to celebrate with his girlfriend in her home town but she ended up breaking up with him on Christmas Eve.
“He was stuck in the town and it wasn’t even his hometown,” said Anderson. “He had to make his way back home.”
They looked at each other and her friend said sarcastically, “yeah, merry Christmas to me,” and that’s how she chose the name.
Another, Gingerbread Town, is based on her friend’s family tradition of creating a gingerbread town in the living room. The family builds a complete village.
“When they listen to it they have more of an appreciation of the craft that goes into songwriting,” said Anderson. “It’s just really cool to do that so many people connect on a deeper level to my music.”
She also sings some traditional Christmas favourites like O Holy Night, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Walking in a Winter Wonderland. She adds her own tempo and twist on the performance.
Anderson said even if the venue is larger she still tries to create an intimate connection with audience members so they feel like part of the performance. She gets them to sing songs.
“It’s including them in the performance instead of singing at them,” she said.
Last month, Anderson was nominated for a B.C. Country Music Award for Album of the Year. She also performed at the Canadian Country Music Awards in Halifax this September.
Anderson performs her Christmas Tour concert Saturday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at Fascinating Rhythm and The Dog’s Ear.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
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