Stars and Promises – The Story of Christmas Plays The Town Hall 12/9

Songwriter Peter Mayer, lead guitarist of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, with musical guests Spiritus vocal ensemble and Voices in Unity, the 80 member choir of Unity of New York, will present the tenth anniversary presentation of Stars and Promises - The Story of Christmas at The 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 ten years ago. This tenth anniversary celebration includes guest appearances by Spiritus, the tight harmony vocal ensemble and Voices in Unity, Unity of New York's magnificent choir, whose musical diversity ranges in style from Gospel to Broadway and Pop to Jazz. Both of these dynamic groups are under the direction of masterful music director, Britt Hall.

Peter Mayer and brother Jim Mayer began work on their first Christmas album over 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". They re-imagine these timeless songs that trace their upbringing from 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, Maggie Estes on violin and

mandolin, Chris Walters on keyboards and nationally recognized native flute player Mark Holland.
Spiritus vocal ensemble's latest CD release, We Are One, was produced and recorded in Nashville by Emmy winning producer Steve Ivey. The group has performed throughout New York City, from Lincoln Center to The Rainbow Room to Battery Park, and around the country. They were recently featured at Unity's World Day of Prayer celebration in Kansas City along with Broadway star Rosena Hill (Spamalot and The Color Purple, among others.) The diverse members of Spiritus bring together backgrounds from Broadway, opera, cabaret, film, television and recording studios. Though their mission is to bring an uplifting, healing music message, anyone, regardless of his or her spiritual beliefs, will be entertained and moved by the musical mastery and spirit of Spiritus. (www.spiritusnyc.com)

Voices in Unity choir is known for their diverse selections and the ability to bring people to heightened emotional experiences through their performances. They perform with equal mastery songs from many different genres, such as Broadway, pop, jazz, Gospel, classical. Voices in Unity has presented 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 Citizen Kane) and have been featured at The 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 (Jekyll and Hyde) and Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line).
Stars and Promises is being produced by Unity of New York, A Spiritual Center for Creative Living (www.unityofnewyork.org), 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. While Unity of New York is attended by people of all walks of life, it 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 concert proceeds will go towards the "Manafesting Miracles Building Fund" of Unity of New York.

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.