Trace Adkins Celtic-Infused Christmas Album THE KING'S GIFT Set for Release 10/29 The Christmas Show Tour To Follow

On October 29, 2013 Trace Adkins will be releasing THE KING'S GIFT, a Christmas album of Celtic carols, and will also be embarking on "The Christmas Show" Tour, a reverent theatrical and musical production, beginning November 15th. The "Christmas Show" Tour tickets go sale to the public on September 13th! This inaugural holiday tour is the template for a new annual touring tradition that will be a memorable experience for the whole family. (Dates & pre-sale info below).

The King's Gift ("Tiodhlac An Righ", in Gaelic) pays tribute to an ancient genre and transports the listener to a time of mystery, valor and honor. Since his Platinum debut sixteen years ago, Adkins has never recorded a holiday album, until now. Featured guests include renowned Irish ensemble, The Chieftains; Scottish vocalist Alyth McCormack, multi-award winning family group, The Isaacs; Kevin Costner and daughter Lily Costner; and Rock drummer Kenny Aronoff. The keyboards, acoustic, steel and bass guitars of American folk music harmonize with the weissenborn, mandolin, uillean pipe, penny whistle, violin, viola, cello, harp, and organ.

"Recording this album has been one of the most definitive experiences of my career," says Adkins, who recently celebrated his 10th anniversary as an inductee of the Grand Ole Opry. "The Christmas Show Tour will present these classic carols in the most traditional sense."

"The Christmas Show" Tour begins a new holiday tradition for Adkins. Envisioned as a theatrical production, Trace will alternate between fireside story-telling of anecdotes (both personal and historical) and performances of classic carols with a 12 piece ensemble - a quartet string section, female vocalists and a range of traditional instruments. The tour is inspired by Adkins' annual hosting duties at Disney World's Candlelight Processional, where his deep baritone narrates Christmas stories, while a full choir and orchestra performs. It has always been a highlight of Trace's year and he is thrilled to bring his own unique version of a holiday gathering on tour.

Mark Gillespie - Guitar and Mandolin

The Nashville-based mandolin/guitar picker joined Trace’s band in 2004_.  In the mid 1990’s Gillespie and longtime friend Lee Rolfes were both criss-crossing the country, performing music and were well known in the Cincinnati, Ohio, club scene with a band called Bucket. Bucket was formed in Cincinnati in 1997 and takes its name for drummer Rick"Bam" Powell's bucket-in-lieu-of a bass drum. Their music is a mixture of genres made up of catchy, spirited anthems of American life experiences that are mostly optimistic, occasionally cynical (but without the angst) and always witty. Link to Mark's bio

Great article featuring Mark at this Premier Guitar link.

Perry Richardson - Bassist

Perry Richardson (born on July 7, 1963 in Conway, South Carolina)  is currently touring as the bass player of  Sarepta Gentlemen's Club and is a founding member of FireHouse.
Perry reached stardom with FireHouse during the early 1990s with hit singles like “Don’t Treat Me Bad” “Reach For The Sky” and “All She Wrote”, as well as their signature ballads “I Live My Life for You”, “Love of a Lifetime”, and “When I Look Into Your Eyes”.

In 2012, Perry was asked to join the band of multi-platinum, country superstar Trace Adkins.

Jon Coleman, Keyboard

In summer 2010, Jon became a member of The Sarepta Gentleman's Club, Trace's backing group, and continues today. Television appearances include Tennessee Mornings, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Fox and Friends, The Jimmy Fallon Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Grand Ole Opry Live and more. In addition to touring, Jon writes and records - 'make it fast', his first solo effort is available.

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Johnny Richardson - Drums

Johnny Richardson is currently touring as the  Drummer of Sarepta Gentlemen's Club.

 Link to Johnny's Facebook Page
Twitter Johnny Richardson @johnnytheclock

Wayne Addleman - Steel Guitar

Wayne has always used Peavey Steel Guitar amps whether it was on tour or in the studio. He says they always sound big and clean and deliver the tone that he has always looked for. Wayne is currently on tour with Trace Adkins using a Derby Pedal Steel Guitar going to two Nashville 1000 Steel Guitar amps on stage for a live stereo rig. Some of the artists he has toured with include Trace Adkins, The Bellamy Brothers, Lisa Brokop, Jessica Andrews, Lila McCann, Mindy McCready and The Ellis Brothers. Link to Wayne's bio

Paul Reissner - Fiddle

Paul Reissner is current touring as a musician with the Sarepta Gentlemen's Club playing Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar, and providing vocals.