SimpleGifts Benefit Concert 2011

Celebrating the Holidays with SimpleGifts

“There was no “Frosty the Snowman”, or “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in the performance of SimpleGifts. Rather, Billy and his incredible group covered the arc of the Christmas narrative in a beautiful and profound way that touched the audience very deeply.”
- B. JoseAgain this year Billy McLaughlin and his astounding musical group SimpleGifts opened their Christmas tour with a benefit concert for our AlphaCitiCorps ministry. The 3M Auditorium at the Minnesota History Center proved to be a perfect venue and one that we will likely return to for years to come.

As long-time fans will tell you, SimpleGifts makes musical magic by bringing a modern flair to traditional Christmas carols and hymns. Staying close to the heart of Christmas by avoiding commercial and
pop holiday repertoire has become the trademark of this award winning six-piece ensemble. Their 2011 holiday concert season features music from all four SimpleGifts CDs, including Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, The Cherry Tree Carol, Wexford Carol and their most stunning original piece, the acappella composition Oh Mary.

“The performance by SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin was simply sublime! The angelic vocals and wonderful musical accompaniment are a breathtaking combination. Experiencing this concert makes one pause and reflect on what the season is all about. This is the real music of Christmas.”
- R. KetteringSimpleGifts combines violin, celtic whistle, piano, acoustic guitar and percussion with angelic three part female vocals to create a “modern Old-World” sound. There is nothing ordinary about the arrangements this team delivers both in the studio and in concert. Seen by over 20,000 live audience members last season, this group continues to grow in popularity throughout the Upper Midwest and has successfully transitioned from their early days in coffeehouses and small listening rooms to prestigious performing art centers and larger churches.




Plan to join us in 2012 on November 23rd (always the day after Thanksgiving) for the 3rd Annual AlphaCitiCorps Benefit Christmas Concert with Billy McLaughlin and SimpleGifts.