LGBT events in surrounding states could mean that it's time for a road trip.
There's no shortage of LGBT favorites performing in Arizona this summer. PLUS: The season's most anticipated album releases.
There are at least 10 shows that worth staying home for during TV's summer season.
From blockbusters to niche films, Neil Cohen rounds up 10 movies to watch.
In an expanded role with the Phoenix WNBA franchise, Amber Cox is helping to put the team on the floor this season.
Pageants and shows will keep drag queens and kings on stage during the summer.
Prides, concerts and activism are on the local agenda through September.
La Cage Aux Folles star Christopher Sieber gets close to George Hamilton in the show's touring production. PLUS: A review of the many stage and movie versions of the show.
LGBT groups celebrate Obama'a marriage equality stance
Phoenix City Councilman Tom Simplot fights to include gay and gay-friendly neighborhoods in his district.
Heat dampened attendance at this year's event, but Phoenix Pride is scheduled to continue to be held in April for the foreseeable future.
A twice-a-year event brings gay campers to a lake in the Tonto National Forest.
Local groups are working to raise money for Logan's Playground, a Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS program that provides services to children.
Equality Arizona announces that Nick Ray is leaving as the organization's executive director.
After Meg Sneed found her partner, she says the wedding can't wait for marriage equality politics to catch up.
Melissa Myers and Michael Tucker review the options for what happens to the stuff after someone dies.
Nate Whitten suggests that workout routines need to be varied to get the best results.
As the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows gets a movie treatment, Neil Cohen provides some trivia about the show. PLUS: Previews of two other movies coming to theaters and a review of Albert Nobbs, available on DVD.
Previews of three new shows coming to Valley stages. PLUS: Reviews of what's on stage at Valley dinner theaters and an interview with the man behind Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles.
Craig Peterson finds a new thrill ride during his test drive of the Lexus GS350 F Sport.
Claudine M. Wessel ditches work on a Friday afternoon for lunch at the Baratin Café in Scottsdale.
Kurt Niece talks with Kathy Griffin about her new Bravo talkfest and comments on the show's first episode.
Cassandra Klaphake plays Norma Desmond in the Arizona Broadway Theatre production of Sunset Boulevard.
A self-guided art walk goes off the beaten path to discover spaces not regularly open to visitors.
The We're Not Saints Stand-Up Comedy Tour coming to Phoenix will raise funds for an LGBT recovery center.
Kathy Fitzgerald returns to the Valley to star as Mama Rose in Phoenix Theatre's production of Gypsy.
Actress Frances Fisher talks about her role in Sedona: The Motion Picture.
Lily Tomlin brings characters beloved for decades to the stage for a performance in Mesa.
Arizona politicians are likely to be a target when out radio talk show host Stephanie Miller brings her Sexy Liberal Tour to Phoenix.
Echo movie critic Neil Cohen predicts the winners in the major races for the Academy Awards.
Kyle Dean Massey talks about his role as Fiyero in the touring production of Wicked on stage at ASU Gammage.
Luminous Pariah incorporates self-expression and storytelling in his act coming to The Rock.
A new novelty toy aims to make fun of sexual orientation.
Sarah Hasu, formerly of Tempe, confronts the teen LGBT suicide issue in her first novel, Megume and the Trees.
To mark the state's Centennial, which falls on Valentine's Day, the LGBT community sends a Valentine to Arizona.
An out state representative talks about how he made his home in Arizona and his work in the state Legislature.
The LGBT favorite talks about what fans can expect when she brings her stage show to Phoenix and Tucson.
As she brings her show Songs My Mother Taught Me to Mesa, Judy Garland's daughter talks about her mother's legacy.
Out in the Desert debuts with two weekends of films, including some by Arizona filmmakers.
Glenn Scarpelli, known for his childhood film and TV roles, talks about honoring director Peter Bogdanovich. PLUS: LGBT films to be screened at Sedona.
Five films to consider for a movie night for the holiday.
The Alwun House plans its 28th annual Exotic Art Show.
Drag star will perform in Phoenix just days before starring in a new TV show.
Roddy Bottum talks about his career as an out rock star and his band's latest album, Feel the Sound.
Filmmaker Wim Wender's latest movie is a tribute to late German choreographer Pina Bausch.
Denise DeSio fictionalizes her mother's story for the novel Rose's Will.
Emily Wilcox uses letters she received as an advice columnist for a book that covers issues in lesbian relationships.
Movies selected for the Desperado Film Festival reflect the comedy and drama of LGBT life. PLUS: Festival details and the film schedule.
Matthew Ludwinski can identify with the trials of his character in the film Going Down in La-La Land.
The directors of the documentary Wish Me Away talk about following country singer Chely Wright's coming out story,
Film critic Neil Cohen gives his assessment of six of the movies to be screened at the Desperado Film Festival.
Films that deal with gender identity are a major theme at this year's film festival.
Christopher Bradley's experience as an actor helped him direct his short film, The Violation.
Musical performances are a new feature at this year's film festival.
Comedian Thai Rivera will use shows in Scottsdale as material for his first DVD.
Broadway song and dance man Gavin Creel releases Noise, a message for his brothers and sisters in the LGBT community.
An out actor in the cast of the touring company talks about how a Broadway classic speaks to issues of racism and equality.
Echo's film critic Neil Cohen lists the best and worst movies of 2011. PLUS: The Phoenix Film Critics Society makes its awards.
Miss Gay America plans a series of performances in Phoenix.
Transgender singer-songwriter hits Arizona to promote her new album, 10 Bones.
A three-woman lesbian rock band is becoming a local favorite.
Caleb Laieski is recognized for his work for safer schools, lobbying at the local, state and national levels.
Kado Stewart is the woman behind the annual OUTdoors! gay camp.
Merik Castro took on a local school board in 2011, then set his sights on the Arizona School Board Association. PLUS: More stories about youth in 2011.
A member of the touring company of Stomp says every show is different.
Cirque du Soleil pays tribute to Michael Jackson with its new show, The Immortal World Tour.
Five top local stories from 2011 include a shooting, a coming out and a community center in crisis. PLUS: Other local milestones.
Echo's managing editor found that not everyone is anxious to go on the record in 2011.
Save the date for dozens of events planned in the new year.
Community members and allies make plans for the new year
Stacey Jay Cavaliere ranks the top albums from the past year.
Humberto Bandera is dancing in Ballet Arizona's The Nutcracker, but his journey to the Phoenix stage started with an escape from Cuba.
Actress Rena Riffel writes and stars in Showgirls 2: Penny's From Heaven.
Designer Travis Smith combined his passions for holiday and mid-century design when he wrote Kitschmasland!: Christmas Décor from the 1950s to the 1970s,
Children are a big part of the holidays when Melinda Murphy and Dorian Kreiling stage Christmas at their home.
After a painful coming out, Nate Whitten's Christmas includes finding new ways to celebrate with partner Ben Burke.
Tucson writer Shannon Cain explores female protagonists living in ways that are outside the mainstream in her book of short stories, The Necessity of Certain Behaviors.
Mark Cole, the new managing director at Arizona Theatre Company talks about his life and work.
The LGBT concert band plans its second Christmas concert, which will be staged in Phoenix and Glendale.
The women's chorus will celebrate a multicultural holiday.
A holiday concert marks the emergence of a classical women's community choir.
Group gets inspiration from a TV show for a parody of the Glee holiday episode.
A downtown Phoenix hotel's rooftop venue will set the stage for a party featuring a forest of Christmas trees.
Exposed Studio & Gallery hosts a fundraiser featuring teddy bears decorated by local artists.
The drag troupe puts its spin on the holidays with its first Christmas show.
Pianist Nicole Pesce willperform seasonal favorites for a show that will benefit the church.
A Tucson chorus will present gay-themed renditions of holiday songs.
YEP! House youth and Logan's Playground will benefit from contributions of gifts and toys.
Billy Knoop opens his historic house as part of a Phoenix holiday home tour.
Neil Cohen previews seasonal shows coming to stages around the Valley. PLUS: There will be snow in the desert when White Christmas comes to ASU Gammage.
Stacey Jay Cavaliere reports on 10 new holiday albums.
The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team plays its first match in Arizona since 2000.
The Alternative Poker Tour offers games at local LGBT-friendly venues.
Bernard Uzan talks about how his Arizona Opera production is modernizing a classic.
The Agape Network and the Joshua Tree Feeding Program deal with growing needs and fewer resources. PLUS: A profile of Joshua Tree volunteer Joaquin Mota.
As the touring production comes to the Valley, a member of the Blue Man Group talks about his show.
A photographer explores sexual identity in work that also deals with the tricks that memory can play.
Actors Theatre's production of Next Fall deals with a complicated relationship between two men.
The Riviera Palm Springs is known for a past that included Hollywood stars.
Shopping, culture and nature are among the reasons to make a trip to Palm Springs.
Arizona LGBT safe schools advocate Caleb Laieski will be grand marshal of the Palm Springs Pride parade.
Before a concert in Arizona, the outspoken singer talks about her work and her causes.
Director Andrew Haigh talks about putting a subtle gay love story on film
Melissa Ferrick's songs reflect her life's highs and lows
Couple works together as owners of Phoenix coffee shop
Test your knowledge of LGBT history with this quiz
Historians say William Rufus King may have been first gay U.S. vice president
Evidence suggests James Buchanan had relationship with another man
12 stars join the list for their contributions to the community
A sampling of benefits, shows and parties for the holiday
It takes planning to transform into a character who will get noticed
Hotel San Carlos has been home to Hollywood glamour, but the historic structure also has ghost stories
Bebe Neuwirth will take the stage at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts with her one-woman show.
Palm Springs artist Gary Peterson's work takes its inspiration from needlework as it pays homage to famous artists.
Photographer Scott Pasfield's book, Gay in America, features portraits of gay men from every state in America.
The Martini Social Club brings piano bar-style entertainment to Apollo's.
Two reality TV show stars will be among those making appearances at Tucson Pride parties.
A RuPaul's Drag Race alum will make an appearance at Tucson Pride.
The southern Arizona festival features a variety of entertainment in a new venue.
The pop singer who's headlining Tucson Pride talks about his career and his future, including a possible reality TV show
An anti-bullying bill faces an uncertain future after clearing a key committee of the Arizona Senate.
Apache Junction High School missed out on competing for a grant after an application submitted by its gay-straight alliance is withdrawn.
A feeding program for those with HIV/AIDS has a new address.
A counselor plans to offer his services at the 1 Voice Community Center.
A high school chemistry teacher will speak at the Out on the Job series at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
The Phoenix United Gay Bowling Association plans its annual invitational.
A go-kart competition is Equality Arizona's newest idea to raise funds and increase awareness.
Twelve local bartenders will show off their talents in a fundraising competition.
Right to Marry: Arizona names 25 participants for this summer's walk through 50 cities and towns in the state. PLUS: A mass marriage marking the Arizona Centennial leaves out one segment of the state's population.
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu comes out as a gay man after an ex-boyfriend makes allegations. PLUS: Babeu becomes Arizona's fourth out LGBT candidate for Congress.
The Kissing Controversy
After the kissing controversy, Echo's managing editor Glenn Gullickson suggests that the hotel make a grand gesture to the community
Terros receives a grant to resume a campaign to prevent alcohol abuse in the LGBT community.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and his wife Nicole talk about her anti-bullying campaign. PLUS: The mayor reviews the importance of his relationship with the LGBT community.
Letitia Frye gets ready to put on her high heels for her latest effort for an LGBT group at the one n ten Fresh Brunch. PLUS: Event preview.
Dinners held in March will benefit Aunt Rita's Foundation's efforts to help local agencies with HIV/AIDS programs.
Ten drag queens and six drag kings will compete for the titles of Miss and Mister Phoenix Gay Pride.
The Phoenix chapter of the Human Rights Campaign plans an event for LGBT parents and their children.
One Community sponsors the first Healthy Living Expo to be staged as part of the annual Melrose on Seventh Avenue Street Fair.
Two days of workshops will focus on LGBT community organizing.
Activist and blogger Monica Roberts will talk about gender, race and class during an appearance in Tucson.
An incident involving a vendor at a recent bridal show shows that not all businesses are welcoming to same-sex couples.
The LGBT community can be involved when the Arizona Democratic Party selects delegates to the national convention.
Beth McDonald to be grand marshal of parade after taking stand for LGBT community
The statewide LGBT civil rights organization has a sudden change of leadership.
The RoadRunner Regional Rodeo hopes to bounce back after bad weather caused low attendance last year.
Two drag queens made famous by RuPaul's Drag Race will headline a dinner concert.
Applicants are being sought for an online high school diploma program being organized by the 1n10 youth agency.
Scottsdale will be the site for the annual meeting of a Pentecostal group that caters to the LGBT community.
A 16th century European-style country fair will take visitors back in time.
Teams from around the country will compete in Volley del Sol, sponsored by the Desert Volleyball Alliance.
Pets are the main characters in a production with themes of diversity and acceptance.
Don Bivens makes marriage equality an issue in his campaign for U.S. Senate from Arizona.
A Phoenix drag performer is injured in an attack.
Chely Wright named Pride grand marshal, festival headliner
Community center to be featured in public service announcements
Unmarried couples in Flagstaff will soon be able to register as domestic partners.
Drag novices will get their own pageant when Miss Gay Arizona USofA introduces a newcomers competition.
The work of gay-straight school organizations will be recognized with the first National Gay-Straight Alliance Day.
A new scholarship at ASU is open to students who identify as LGBT.
Supporters of a bill that would extend anti-bullying protections to LGBT students plan a new strategy for the legislation that failed last year.
Madelaine Adelman reacts to her selection as a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Award.
Qualifying rounds are underway to find the best country karaoke singer in the Valley.
An evening for women is being planned by the local chapter of the Human Rights Campaign.
The local chapter of Lambda Car Club International will host a car show as part of a January event.
Keith Clark prepares for his first concert as artistic director of Voices of the Desert.
The Phoenix Metropolitan Men's Chorus is recording videos in support of the Trevor Project.
A short film puts the spotlight on the issue of teens and young adults who don't have a place to call home.
An LGBT family in Tucson will benefit from a Habitat for Humanity project.
Two local real estate professionals say LGBT homebuyers are among those participating in the market turnaround.
Three films with LGBT themes will be screened during the Fabulous Faygeleh Film Series in Tucson.
Eric Buckmaster and his alter ego, Lady Christian, share a mission to serve the community.
The Bears of the Old Pueblo plan a weekend of events in Tucson.
The membership of the 1 Voice LGBT Community Center elects five new board members and re-elects three others.
1n10 plans to move its Phoenix youth services to a new location. PLUS: 1n10 unveils a new logo and makes plans to honor Greg Stanton.
Valley clubs plan events to ring in 2012. PLUS: A New Year's Eve party in Tucson is a fundraiser for the Wingspan community center.
A program that provides food for those living with HIV/AIDS seeks a new location.
A local AIDS service organization prepares to observe its 25th anniversary in 2012.
The Rev. Patrick Stout plans to release a book based on a series of sermons he delivered at the Community Church of Hope.
Mr. Phoenix Leather 2012 will be named in January.
Phoenix Pride plans to ask for donations to the Pride Community Fund.
The leader of the Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce defends the decision to include a Salvation Army angel tree at an LGBT event.
Rich Zavala reflects on a nine-year career as one Arizona's most popular drag queens.
The Right to Marry Arizona Equality Walk announces plans for three campaigns to cover all regions of the state next summer.
The AZ Gender Outlaws release a documentary about how they got started, who they are and what the do.
A local LGBT group plans a day at Castles and Coasters amusement park.
A doctoral candidate at Arizona State University is doing research that he hopes will be helpful to LGBT moms and dads.
A comedy to be screened in Tucson and a drama to be shown in Prescott have similar themes about finding acceptance and tolerance.
Including a Salvation Army angel tree in a holiday event sponsored by LGBT groups is raising questions.
The annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Tempe will raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. PLUS: A professor at the University of Arizona studies LGBT youth suicide.
Thomas Beatie — who became famous as the world's first pregnant man — talks about relocating his family to Phoenix and his relationship with the LGBT community.
Local groups plan events on Dec. 1 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. PLUS: Five movies that depict the AIDS crisis.
A naval officer who made news when he married his partner as Don't Ask, Don't Tell ended takes his husband to the Marine Ball at Fort Huachuca.
Community members express concern about the LGBT community center's board position on political advocacy.
An agency that provides services to transgender people celebrates the purchase of a new facility.
Events in Phoenix and Tucson will be part of a worldwide observance of the lives and deaths of transgender individuals.
An event planning novice tries his hand at staging a benefit dinner. PLUS: A Scottsdale jeweler designs a gift for donors to the community center.
A class at Arizona State University examines how books aimed at children are challenging the notion the heterosexuality is the normal sexual orientation.
Arizona State University's Gamma Rho Lambda Sorority will celebrate its first Founder's Week.
Two HIV/AIDS groups to benefit from Boy of Leather event
The TV show Fear Factor inspires events to be staged as part of a relay competition.
Silent and live auctions will be the focus of an event benefiting the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation in Tucson.
Sway Events plans a promotion that mimics Internet sites that offer discounts.
A Phoenix man has organized a local chapter of Hell's Fairies, a group of LGBT scooter enthusiasts.
Members of the Phoenix chapter of Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays will attend the group's national convention.
A golf tournament will help raise money for the Tucson LGBT community center.
The screening of a film that explores the impact of the AIDS crisis will be part of the Loft Cinema Film Festival in Tucson.
Men will be growing out their mustaches during November in an event the benefits the fight against prostate cancer.
Male singers from local high schools and junior highs will join male choruses for a concert.
A couple's plans for a small commitment ceremony have grown into a major event.
Renovations have started on the building that will become the new location for the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS.
Local activists are planning to protest a national meeting of a group that promotes reparative therapy.
As the runoff election for Phoenix mayor nears, Greg Stanton's campaign questions opponent Wes Gullett's commitment to extending non-discrimination protections
The community center board gets mixed signals from Magellan Health Services about a refund of grant money.
Sway Events creates a new group of promotional models
The Maricopa Community College Governing Board votes to include gender identity as a protected class in its non-discrimination policy.
One Community will recognize 12 gay, lesbian and allied leaders at a luncheon
A song from the musical ~Wicked~ inspires the theme for an Arizona Women in Tune event.
Local transgender advocates applaud Chaz Bono's appearances on Dancing With the Stars.
Echo names a new associate publisher and unveils a redesign of its website.
The Phoenix Tennis Alliance hosts the second annual Cactus Open.
Magellan Health Services requests proposals for an adult alcohol abuse prevention program aimed at the LGBT community.
A film about how San Francisco responded to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s will be screened in Tucson.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be screened to benefit Grand Canyon Performing Arts.
The Melonhead Foundation plans an event to support families that have children with cancer.
The 1n10 suicide prevention project presents Sources of Strength: A Showcase of Music, Arts and Community.
About 6,000 walkers are expected to raise funds for the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation
Five people selected by Phoenix Pride to participate in OUTdayPHX tell their stories.
The American Civil Liberties Union and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network join forces to fight efforts by schools to filter Web sites.
Stacey Jay Cavaliere reports on 10 new holiday albums.
By Stacey Jay Cavaliere
Under the Mistletoe
Island Records
"Bieber Fever" is in full swing this holiday season as pop sensation Justin Bieber releases his first seasonal album. The 17-year old superstar may be seem to be a novelty act or nothing more than a teenage crush for girls worldwide, but the young man does have a great deal of talent and he showcases it on this release. Bieber's collaborations with performers like Mariah Carey on "All I Want for Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!)" and Boyz II Men on "Fa La La" are fun and fanciful, much like Carey's and Boyz II Men's prior holiday albums. The self-penned "All I Want Is You" is a definite holiday playlist addition, as well as the hit single and title track, "Under the Mistletoe." Bieber still has the fever, but this time around it's packed with yuletide greetings and holiday cheer.
A Holiday Carole
Hear Music
Carole King has been writing songs and performing for more than 40 years, but the acclaimed singer-songwriter only recently took a sip of the eggnog. This year, King releases her first holiday album The record, produced by her daughter Louise Goffin, features mostly traditional tunes such as "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Sleigh Ride" and the gorgeously orchestrated "Carole of the Bells." She also contributes some of her daughter's songs such as "Christmas in Paradise" and "New Years Day." It's a must-have for any King lover, and a must-have for anyone looking for warm, comfy and familiar holiday music.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Atlantic Records
Probably the most unlikely person to release a holiday-themed album (besides Marilyn Manson) would be often troubled frontman Scott Weiland, formerly of rock/alternative bands Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver. However, he has overcome the disbanding of two super-groups, battled drug addiction on several occasions, and has now released his first solo effort, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, sounding and looking better then ever. The sounds of the season illuminate Weiland as a true singer, especially on tracks like "Winter Wonderland" and "White Christmas." Using aspects of reggae and big band style, Weiland had produced a wonderful holiday album full of songs we all know and love, with the grungy voice that helped define a generation. Other must-have tracks include "Happy Christmas and Many More," "What Child Is This?" and the closing track, "O Holy Night."
A Ginuwine Christmas
NOTIFI Music Group
R&B crooner and heartthrob Ginuwine has been busy, releasing his full-length Elgin earlier this year, and now his latest, A Ginuwine Christmas, his first Christmas album. His covers of "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" are a stretch from his usual style, yet succeed in providing a sense of nostalgia to his amazing vocal ability. Standout tracks include "All I Want" and "12 Days." Who knew that a partridge in a pear tree could sound so sexy?
Christmas
Reprise Records
There is probably no other artist releasing music today who can stay as true to holiday standards as Michael Bublé. His sexy and spot-on sound is the perfect fit for Christmas music. Having released two prior holiday-themed albums, this year's Christmas is undoubtedly his best. Drawing from influences like Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin, the suave Bublé goes all out. The album includes the holiday standards "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Silent Night." Other standout tracks include his collaborations with the Puppini Sisters (on "Jingle Bells") and Shania Twain (on "White Christmas"). The best song on the album is the spiritual "Ave Maria," which showcases Bublé's love of the holiday season.
O Christmas Three
Chicago Records II
The first release since 2003 from America's most successful rock group, Chicago's O Christmas Three (otherwise known as Chicago XXXIII) is a fun romp through the snow. Produced by the legendary Phil Ramone, the album is pure holiday perfection. From the jazz-tinged "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" to "I'll Be Home For Christmas," the super group is in true form. The album also includes special guests, such as country legend Dolly Parton and gospel star BeBe Winans. It's a nonstop holiday musical treat that is performed to typical Chicago perfection.
The Classic Christmas Album
Columbia Records
The legendary Tony Bennett has had quite a year, and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. After releasing his acclaimed Duets II album (including a duet with the late Amy Winehouse on her last recorded song), Bennett ends 2011 with the release of The Classic Christmas Album. It's a collection of his most famous Christmas songs from past decades. He hits all the right marks by selecting tracks like "White Christmas" and "The Christmas Song" from his 1968 holiday release, and the more jazzy takes on songs like "Silver Bells" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" from his 2008 album A Swingin' Christmas. Bennett's The Classic Christmas Album can provide the music for every get together or tree-trimming event this season.
A Very She & Him Christmas
Merge Records
Calling all hipsters! Possibly one of the first truly indie-pop holiday albums, A Very She & Him Christmas is sure to please all walks of life, particularly now that singer Zooey Deschanel is having such huge success on her television show, New Girl. Deschanel and musical partner M. Ward nail it on this release, providing their version of holiday ditties, which will definitely get you in the mistletoe mood. Featuring covers like "Blue Christmas," "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree," the duo provides a sweet and fun twist to each tune, capturing an almost childlike essence to each song. Other highlights include "Christmas Wish" and "Little Saint Nick."
This Warm December: A Brushfire Holiday Vol. 2
Brushfire Records
The Brushfire Records label released the first volume of this collaborative project in 2008, and after critical praise and successful feedback from listeners, it has released another holiday gem this year. Featuring an eclectic roster of performers, highlights on the album include G. Love's "Christmas Blues" and "Christmas Cookies," Matt Costa's "I Bet On Flying High," and Jack Johnson's "Angel (Holiday)" and "In The Morning." The highlight on the album is indie rock band Rogue Wave's rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock." An alternative to the standard holiday tunes, This Warm December: A Brushfire Holiday Vol. 2 is a breath of fresh winter air.
Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album, Vol. 2
Columbia
Glee's television success has spawned concert tours, merchandise and album releases, including this year's Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album, Vol. 2. The album is full of seasonal favorites performed by actors portraying characters we also have come to know and love. The album features Mercedes (Amber Riley) belting out a powerful "All I Want For Christmas Is You," Santana (Naya Rivera) singing a sultry version of "Santa Baby" and a more traditional rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" by Artie (Kevin McHale). The songs are fresh and fun, and the album is probably the best bet for anyone looking for some holiday cheer this holiday season.