Peter Mayer Celebrates STARS AND PROMISES at Town Hall, 12/9

Peter Mayer, Billboard charting composer and guitarist from Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer, Spiritus vocal ensemble and Voices in Unity, the 85 member choir of Unity of New York,   will present their 10th anniversary concert of Stars and Promises - The Story of Christmas at Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street on Thursday, December 9th at 7:30 PM.  Peter Mayer whose music has topped the charts created, "Stars and Promises" with his brother Jim Mayer 10 years ago.  This is a celebration of that anniversary and introduces into it  Spiritus, the close harmony vocal ensemble whose self titled album was recently released and Voices in Unity the Unity of New York choir whose musical diversity includes selections ranging from Gospel to Broadway and Pop to Jazz.
 
Peter Mayer and brother Jim Mayer began work on their first Christmas album ten years ago. "Stars and Promises" takes carols such as "What Child is This", "Joy to the World", and "Little Drummer Boy" and includes them with original Christmas music penned by Peter including "Sing Joy" and "This Christmas". The settings trace their upbringing from their childhood in India to their influences of the Beatles, jazz, rock, folk and classical music.
 
Peter Mayer's parents were missionaries in India for 17 years.  Peter was born in Tamilnadu India and recalls musicians coming to their house on Christmas Eve to sing and play drums, bells and share Tamil Carols.  This influence is evident in "Stars and Promises".  In addition to this Christmas album and its live recording release, Peter Mayer's group PM recorded the hit "Pieces of Paradise" and two cd's "Street of Dreams" and "Wine and Lemonade".  PM was hired to be the rhythm section of Jimmy Buffet's Coral Reefer and this association has continued for nearly two decades.  Peter Mayer has also formed the Peter Mayer Group which tours throughout the U.S. and has recorded 9 additional albums which includes a great variety of styles from spiritual music through work of the Beatles.
 
"Stars and Promises" tenth anniversary show will feature musical highlights from years past and new compositions and arrangements by Peter Mayer.  His band includes R. Scott Bryan on percussion, guitar and vocals, Marc Torlina on bass and vocals and Maggie Estes on violin and mandolin, Chris Walters on keyboards and nationally recognized native flute player Mark Holland.
 
Spiritus vocal ensemble currently has a self-titled CD which includes, We Are One, which was recorded in Nashville, was produced by Grammy winning producer Steve Ivey.  This is the second album released by the group who has performed throughout the country and recently was featured at Unity's World Day of Prayer along with Rosena Hill Broadway star of Spamalot and The Color Purple.  Each of the members of Spiritus have individual careers in cabaret, theatre and night clubs.
 
Voices in Unity choir is known for their diverse selections and ability to bring a song to life.  They perform with equal mastery songs from shows like A CHORUS LINE and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and traditional and Gospel versions of inspirational songs like Joyful, Joyful.  Voices in Unity has performed in two concerts at Symphony Space as well as being featured at spiritual leader Amma's (known as the hugging saint) recent visit to New York City.  They have performed for the memorial service of long-time Unity member & teacher Ruth Warrick (All My Children) and been featured at Town Hall.  Voices in Unity concerts always include guest appearances by Broadway stars.  These include Rosena Hill , Tony award winners Chuck Cooper (The Life,  Finian's Rainbow), Luba Mason and Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line).
 
Stars and Promises  is being produced by Unity of New York, A Spiritual Center for Creative Living which meets at Symphony Space each Sunday morning at 11:00 AM.  The center was founded by Paul Tenaglia, who has been minister/spiritual leader since its inception in 1999.  Prior to his ministerial background Paul was an actor/ dancer/ singer/ choreographer who performed in the United States and Canada.  Unity of New York is attended by people of all walks of life but appeals greatly to those in the performing arts. Britt Hall, Unity's Music Minister, has been the Music Director of Voices in Unity and Spiritus since Their inceptions. Britt has performed in theatrical productions in New York and around the United States.
 
Unity of New York draws to it many stars who joyfully donate their talents to their Sunday gatherings and concerts.  Among the celebrities that have graced the stage of Unity are Donna McKechnie, Stephen Schwartz, David Friedman, Chuck Cooper, Joanne Worley, Ben Vereen, Malcolm Gets, Ernestine Jackson, David Sabella, Luba Mason to name just a few.  The Stars and Promises concerts proceeds will go towards their "Manafesting Miracles Building Fund."
 
Tickets are available at the Town Hall Box Office or online at www.ticketmaster.com with prices of $250, $100, $85, $60, $55, $50, $40 and $25

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