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Welcome to Omaha, "Distant Worlds",
from your friends at Mannheim Steamroller! |
Our friend Arnie Roth was in Omaha recently to conduct a performance of "Distant Worlds, Music From Final Fantasy". "Distant Worlds" is a hugely successful concert series that has been performed all over the world for over six years. While he was here, Arnie had some time to pop in and see Chip and the gang at American Gramaphone studios. He also did a little recording for an upcoming Mannheim Steamroller project as well! |
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| During the orchestra rehearsal for "Distant Worlds, Music From Final Fantasy" at the Omaha's Holland Performing Arts Center, Chip met Nobuo Uesatsu, the music composer of the popular game series that is the inspiration for the concert series. Chip learned Nobuo is also a huge Fresh Aire fan. Naturally, Chip promptly loaded him up with all the latest Mannheim Steamroller products and, coincidentally, It just happened to be Nobou's 54th birthday! |
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We Have A Winner!!!
It's a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas celebration in Las Vegas for
Deanne of Bellevue, NE
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Deanne's entry was selected by Chip out of over 4,600 submissions from throughout the country.
"I was amazed at the creativity of all the entries," said Chip. "It was very difficult to select just one winner because each entry was so meaningful."
The winning entry: Mannheim Steamroller means Christmas because I had cassettes I played every year, then CDs, then kids loving me playing the CDs every year. "It's great to see that we have long-time fans that have been with us from cassettes to CDs and generation to generation," Chip said,
Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. We were excited-- and also humbled -- to read your thoughts.
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Hooray For Chip! |
It was red carpet and honors for Chip on September 14 as his hometown of Sylvania, OH recognized their favorite son.
The day's activities began at City Hall with a declaration of "Chip Davis Day" by the Mayor and the Town Crier reading a special proclamation. This was followed by the dedication of a main street as "Chip Davis Way" with Chip unveiling the street sign amid dignitaries and well wishers.
A later reception at Chip's alma mater, Northview High School, brought a total surprise. A number of alumni appeared on stage singing the school's alma mater The tribute was also in recognition of Chip's father, a long-time music teacher and composer of the song, and Chip's mother, a noted musician. A special plaque in honor of the entire Davis family was presented and will now hang in the school's gallery.
Along the way, Chip spoke with members of the High School band and the School Choir, reflecting on his participation during high school years.
The final tribute was at the evening high school football game during half-time. Chip was escorted onto the field by the school superintendent, band director and his old band director form high school days. As the school band played a medley of Mannheim Steamroller songs, Chip and his late parents were recognized for all their contributions to the world of music.
The conclusion of the day left Chip almost speechless, a rare occurrence indeed. "I was so excited for this day to come and now I am absolutely over-whelmed", he said. "This means more to me than you can know and I am especially touched by your recognition of my Mom and Dad."
All of us at Mannheim Steamroller say "Congratulations" and "Well Deserved, Chip"! We are so proud of you.
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For more pictures of "Chip Davis Day", click here
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Megan, Mannheim and More! |
 Megan Hilty, acclaimed star of the NBC hit show, "Smash", is joining Mannheim Steamroller and a cast of renowned skaters in a very special holiday event!
Hilty will be performing in PANDORA Unforgettable Holiday Moments on Ice, a live show being taped for national broadcast on NBC. The production will feature skaters such as Olympic champion Brian Boitano and World figure skating champion Elvis Stojka performing to the music of Mannheim Steamroller.
The show will be November 10, 2012 at Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix, AZ and televised on November 25, 2012 from 4:00-6:00 PM EST on NBC
Watch for more information on the show and its stars! Tickets to the event can be purchased at Gcuarena.com |
View PDF of Event |
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Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, announced that his annual concert tour will begin on November 15 and continue through December 30. PANDORA Jewelry is sponsoring the tour, joining Mannheim Steamroller in presenting the best the holiday has to offer.
The tour, now in its 27th year, is still met by sold-out audiences and was one of the top 20 concert tours in the nation last year. This year Mannheim Steamroller's two touring ensembles will hold over 90 performances throughout the United States.
Grammy Award® winner Davis will direct and co-produce the performances with MagicSpace Entertainment, one of the top ten promoters in North America for tours, Broadway shows and concerts. The shows will feature the favorite Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with state-of-the-art multimedia effects in an intimate setting.
In 1984, Mannheim Steamroller released Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, an album that changed the sounds of Christmas. Already a multi-platinum recording artist through its Fresh Aire Series, Davis decided to record an album of Christmas music combining the group's signature mix of Renaissance instruments with rock & roll beats.
The resulting album was a runaway hit and Mannheim Steamroller went on to become the biggest selling Christmas music artist in history. The group's Christmas tour has become an annual holiday tradition right along with decorating the tree, exchanging presents and creating unforgettable moments with friends and family.
Click here to see the schedule and other details of the 2012 Christmas Tour! |
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Father's Day Thoughts |
 Every Father's day I think about a special memory about my dad. Growing up on the farm was always so much fun. Every summer my Dad and I would go down to the "Wooden Tent", A handmade lodge where the walls are screens so we could be surrounded by nature. It was our own hideaway tucked into the hills deep in the forest out behind our house.
Every spring/early summer we would go down and spend a whole day cleaning the lodge. We would scrub the deck, clean the swinging grill and clean out the fire pit. Then we would let it dry overnight and the next day we would camp out!
We would always do a big campfire and cook hotdogs, corn on the cob and carrots. YUM! Then we would sleep in the beds and fall asleep to the sounds of nature. The next morning we would wake up and cook breakfast, then hang out and play games in the woods all day. It was so much fun.
I remember one time we were camping and there was a pack of coyotes howling not too far away. My Dad told me they were playing a concert for me, so I wouldn't be scared. After thinking about this for a few seconds I told him "I should have worn my hat!" Apparently I thought I should have dressed up for their concert!
It was all these little things that my Dad did that made me fall in love with nature. I was so lucky to grow up like that!
Kelly Davis
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Mother's Day - A day for thoughts, reflections and memories
from Mannheim Steamroller's Chip Davis |
Honoring and remembering our mothers has been a revered tradition since 1914 when the United States Congress officially proclaimed Mothers Day as a national holiday to be celebrated every May. The roots of this celebration actually go back to the late 1870s. Mothers impacted by the Civil War met to share experiences. This led to a greater effort to establish a friendship day for all mothers.
The holiday was first formally declared by the state of West Virginia in 1910 and the rest of states followed. Four years later Congress passed the designated day to be officially the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
Today, the holiday is a time to recognize, reflect and remember our mothers. A Mother is unique in her role as a teacher, a nurse, a guide and it can never be underestimated how much influence they have helping to shape the future lives of their children.
Mannheim Steamroller salutes mothers throughout the world with a very special selection of gifts to help make Mother’s Day special.
This year, Chip Davis wants to share his personal thoughts about his own mother, Betty, and the tremendous influence she had on his life.
“Remembering my mother, Betty, brings so many mixed emotions. Love, caring, respect – but, most of all, I have an absolute gratitude for the fact that she was my mother.
Betty and her trombone:
A young Betty practicing her
music on top of the NBC
Radio Building in NYC. |
My mother’s path and accomplishments tell you everything you need to know about her. As a young high schooler, she came to play the trombone, despite her very small size. She worked hard, practicing five to six hours a day in addition to her high school studies.
Every other weekend she would travel 250 miles roundtrip from Elkhart, Indiana to Chicago to take advanced music lessons. She twice took top honors in a national music concert. Then, still in high school, she was invited as a guest soloist throughout the region. |
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Traveling by train at the age of 16, she would do her homework on the way and always phone my grandparents upon her safe arrival. But that wasn’t enough.
Back then, General Electric sponsored the “Hour of Charm” on NBC Radio from Radio City Music Hall. Featuring the Phil Spitalny’s All Girl Orchestra, the program ran every Sunday night.
Well, naturally, my mother wanted to audition. Supported by family and friends, she made her way to New York City and was immediately offered a position in the prestigious orchestra.
This was three months before her high school graduation. So her teachers made it possible for her to finish school by mail.
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Chip's mother in 1985
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Louis, Betty and Chip Davis
at the 1991 Grammy
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Of course she graduated, but did remark ‘However, I missed my own graduation ceremony and the senior prom. Darn!’
From there her career as a noted musician just grew nationally, along with continuing education at the University of Michigan and the National Music Camp at Interlochen.
After many years of noted success, my mother put down her trombone. She chose to be a wife to her husband, a mother to me and an inspiration to everyone she met.
Her love, caring and commitment remain with me always. And, while I miss her daily, my gratitude for what she instilled in me is always foremost in my mind.”
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