Austin Peay State University’s David Steinquest and Friends to hold “Santa Claus is Coming!” Christmas concert December 4th

Clarksville, TN – Don’t miss the 2015 edition of the Christmas concert, “Santa Claus is Coming!,” presented by Austin Peay State University professor of music David Steinquest.

The sixth annual concert is set for Friday, December 4th at 7:30pm in the George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall on the University campus.

This year’s ensemble features an incredible band, including Allison Steinquest and David Alford, known for his role as Bucky Dawes on the hit ABC drama “Nashville,” on vocals; Paul Binkley, former member of the multi-platinum band Alabama, on guitar; Kevin Madill on piano; Tony Nagy on bass; Matt DeVote on drums; David Steinquest on percussion; and the APSU Percussion Ensemble.

Many of the show’s performers have been with Steinquest since the inception of the Christmas series – a fact that he said just enriches the quality of the performance.

“I just love being able to perform with this group,” Steinquest said. “It’s exciting to get to do this show, because these performers make it all really easy. I can’t even explain how much fun it is – we’re kind of like a family.”

Christmas standards including “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “We Three Kings,” “Wonderful Christmas Time,” “Away in a Manger,” “T’was the Night Before Christmas” and “Silent Night” will take center stage, however, the tunes will be given new life, thanks to unusual and innovative arrangements.

“I try to mix it up the songs we perform between more secular songs about Santa Claus, as well as things that are more the birth of the Christ child,” Steinquest said. “But we’ve also added some new takes on songs, as well as an original tune called ‘Momma Wouldn’t Lie To Me’ by Brandon Heath that I think is just a really fun, inventive holiday tune. It’s got this sort of dirty, New Orleans style vibe to it that I think is different and a lot of fun.”

This year’s show is influenced by accomplished musicians, including James Taylor, Heath, Holly Cole, Amy Grant, Dave Barnes, Rosie Thomas, the Pentatonix, the Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan and Family Force 5. The concert will have a homey atmosphere with the stage set up like a living room complete with Christmas decorations.

Admission is two cans of food, which will be donated to Loaves and Fishes, of $3.00. This concert sold out last year, so attendees are encouraged to get tickets ahead of time by contacting the APSU music office at 931.221.7818. Steinquest can be contacted at steinquestd@apsu.edu.