Johnny Mathis to Bring IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR to the Grand, 12/19

Nothing says "Christmas" better than the Johnny Mathis: It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year production starring two-time Grammy Hall of Fame legend, Johnny Mathis - on stage at The Grand 1894 Opera House. This special holiday performance is set for Thursday, December 19 at 8pm. Joined again by comedian/musician Gary Mule Deer, you won't want to miss this year's "Wonderful, Wonderful" show! Sponsored by The Lyda Kempner Quinn Fund for the Performing Arts and Rudy & Paco's Restaurant and Bar, this performance is part of Galveston's Passport to Holiday Magic activities and events.

Born in Gilmer, Texas, Mathis was one of seven children who learned songs and routines from his father, Clem Mathis. Performing for visitors at home, school, and church functions, young Mathis exchanged voice lessons for work around his voice teacher's home.

In June of 1957, Mathis appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show where he was introduced to a record- buying public. This appearance catapulted his career and he became a national celebrity and household name for his beautiful, romantic ballads and for performing songs from Broadway musicals. He has been honored to have made several appearances before the world's heads of state, as well as having been honored by leaders of the entertainment industry. Mathis has his own star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, received four Grammy nominations and is recorded in the Guiness World Book music chart as having sold over 350 million records worldwide.

"Chances Are" you have heard many Christmas songs for which Johnny Mathis is famous: "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "Sleigh Ride", and "A Christmas Song". You have loved them on the radio each holiday season, now experience them live and in person at The Grand by the legend himself.

This performance is one of over 1,000 magical events taking place during this holiday season on Galveston Island.

Again this year, The Grand 1894 Opera House is a proud participant in Galveston's Passport to Holiday Magic celebration - where visitors can access a downloadable "passport" to be stamped as they attend the island's many holiday events. Valuable prizes will be awarded, with the top drawing a cruise on Carnival Magic for four. For details and to download your "passport", visit www.galveston.com/holidaymagic.com.

Tickets are currently at very limited availability. Please call for availability. Special discounts for group and senior tickets may be available. For information about this and other performances scheduled, please contact The Grand's box office at 409.765.1894, 800.821.1894, or visit The Grand's website at www.thegrand com. The theatre, located at 2020 Postoffice Street in historic downtown Galveston, is recognized as "The Official Opera House of the State of Texas." All major credit cards accepted.