| IF YOU GO |
| Suzy Bogguss’ Christmas Show |
| Where: The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria |
| When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday |
| Info: $29.50; ticketmaster.com |
Attend a Suzy Bogguss concert and you’re bound to feel like you’re curled up in a comfy chair chatting with a good friend — although this one just happens to be internationally acclaimed as a singer and songwriter. In this age when many singers and songwriters turn their shows into multimedia extravaganzas with music as an afterthought, Suzy’s shows are filled with her hits — that won her top awards from both the Academy of Country Music and County Music Association — and some holiday favorites, too. But what really makes Suzy’s shows shine is her onstage banter in which she shares stories about her background, her current life and her music.
“We have done over 100 shows this year and have been doing a couple of [folk songs she will release on an April album],” said Bogguss. “Now with this holiday show, we’re doing some favorites like ‘Shenandoah’ – everyone loves that one. … We also do a version of ‘Mr. Grinch’ that is a blast. It’s sort of silly and theatrical and fun.”
Bogguss and her band enjoyed the process so much that they have released a new CD called ‘Christmas Album’ that will be available at her shows. In the spring, fans will also have a chance to hear more music from Bogguss when she releases an album of classic folk songs. The album has been a true labor of love for Bogguss who literally spent years researching some of the songs.
“It’s been a process,” said Bogguss, who discovered an old songbook from her elementary school days that inspired her to try to reintroduce some of the songs many of which may be forgotten. “The more I got into it, the more I thought ‘Wow. I want to do this for a living. I finally came to a point where I concluded I’m making a record, I’m not a historian. … It’s a fun record.”
Many of the songs connect back to Bogguss’ own childhood and are playable both by amateurs and more accomplished singers and musicians. Besides touring in support of the album, Bogguss plans to play the songs at art centers and schools.
“It’s a great way to give back,” Bogguss said. “It’s also a great way for people to start to learn about these songs.”
