Continuing the holiday tradition, Yes Virginia has just released their  annual CD of classic Christmas songs infused with the energy of such diverse influences as Led Zeppelin, Tom Jones, Journey, Kansas and Ozzy Osbourne. Although the band takes a very non-traditional approach to songs you've heard a thousand times before, it is all done with a reverence and respect to the original compositions.

The tradition started in 1997 as bassist Paul Janocha and guitarist Joe Merkel got together to record a hard rocking instrumental version of the Christmas classic "Do You Hear What I Hear" for friends and family. That song landing on local radio (along with reviews hailing the group as "the next Mannheim Steamroller") was all the encouragement they needed to get together to do it again and again. In 1999, Mario Padovani joined the band, not only bringing his considerable keyboard, vocal and guitar talents, but also adding a new dimension to Yes Virginia's arrangements and production. 2004 saw the addition of Mark Merkel on drums, stepping in for Gregg Hoffmann (who was with the band since 2001).

Each release sees the band stretching a bit further than the previous one, carefully striking a balance between keeping beloved old tunes familiar to the listener and giving the songs a new life that only Yes Virginia can give them. Over the ensuing years, Yes Virginia's listening audience has grown to include dozens of radio stations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

To all who include Yes Virginia as a part of their holiday celebrations, thank you. We hope you enjoy this year's offering as much as we enjoyed making it.