This is our tenth year of A Christmas To Cure Cancer, the sixth Christmas CD and fifteenth charity CD overall. Lorne has past his 10-year anniversary of being cancer free, which is the best news I can continue to share here. He's still playing Elvis music with Mike Albert and The Big 'E' Band, as well as performing in church and other special engagements.
To celebrate our tenth anniversary, A Christmas To Cure Cancer 6 is a double CD set. We went back through the first five CDs. There were so many good songs it wasn't easy to select just 21. We hope you enjoy this special collection from the first ten years.
As with every CD I've produced, Cody Romshak and Dave Clo play a major role in helping me not only complete the project, but also ensuring we have good recordings and music to share. I can't thank both of them enough for all their help. This CD is the product of 39 artists, with the majority hailing from Ohio.
I also want to thank and welcome the new members of the Christmas To Cure Cancer recording family: Miss Ohio Ellen Bryan, the Hot Pink Racers, Angela An, Chuck Strickler, Omar Coleman, Marty Romie, Jared Craig, Danielle Elias, Kim Shama-Hanna, John Hummel, Amy Frazier, Nick Garner, Abby Dodds, Johnny DiLoretto and cancer survivor Maria Durant.
In addition to A Christmas To Cure Cancer projects, we are partnered in Sean Carney's Blues For A Cure and the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer. Cancer research and treatments continue to increase the chances of survival when discovered early. It's this continued progress that motivates us to work as hard as we can to help speed the discovery of a cure.
1. Christmas Island - Cody Romshak and Friends
Cody Romshak - Lead Vocals, Ukulele
Rachel Sepulveda - Harmony Vocals
Derek DiCenzo - Guitar, Bass, Steel Drums
Tony Bonardi - Piano
Jan Roll - Drums
Mark Puskarich - Sleigh Bells
Words and Music by Moraine. Universal-MCA Music Publishing Div. of Universal Music Corp.
Recorded at Tony’s Treasures Studio, Cadiz, OH.
2. Last Christmas - Jonalee White and The Late Night Drivers
Jonalee White - Lead Vocals
Molly Pauken - Bass, Mandolin, Harmony Vocals
Kay Harris - Harmony Vocals
Pete Cary - Harmony Vocals
Danny Parks - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Fiddle, Banjo
Mr. “Roach” - Keyboard
Brian Fullen - Drums
Words and Music by George Michael. Chappell & Co OBO WHAM Music Ltd.
Instruments recorded at Sonic Eden in Nashville, TN, John Albani engineer, vocals recorded at Sonic Lounge Studios in Grove City, OH. Joe Viers engineer. Mixed by Joe Viers. Produced by James “Bubba” Hudson.
“We want to dedicate this to our guitar player's wife Cyndi who has been an inspiration to us all. Diagnosed recently with breast cancer, she has taught us about strength, attitude and perseverance. We hope by participating in this project we give encouragement to her and so many others!” - Jonalee White
3. Happy Christmas (War Is Over) - Hot Pink Racers
Joe Cygan - Lead and Harmony Vocals, Guitar
Victor Erlanger - Guitar
John Hetrick - Keyboard, Sleigh Bells
Bill Jingo - Bass
Matt Stoessner - Drums
Words and Music by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. EMI Blackwood Music Inc. OBO Lenono Music
Recorded at Tony’s Treasures Studio, Cadiz, OH.
"HPR dedicates songs to: Heather Pick, Stefanie Spielman, Teresita Warneke, Kim McCanney, Lynn Knox, Pico Cavedo, Ervin Erlanger, Trevor Ambrose, Robert Delay, Connie Jingo, John Jingo, Mary (Jingo) Fleming, Tommy Parker, Vincent Marchese, MaryLynne Hayes-Murphy, Peter Marchese, Josephine Marchese, Richard Brigode and Vicki Speakman."
4. Liz and Ralph and Calvin - Rachel Sepulveda and Friends
Rachel Sepulveda - Vocals
Tony Bonardi - Piano
Derek DiCenzo - Guitar, Double Bass
Jan Roll - Drums
“I would like to dedicate my performances to my father Jeffrey Roth, who passed away from a brain tumor in 2007.” - Andrew Roth
6. Grown Up Christmas List - Ellen Bryan
Ellen Bryan - Lead Vocal
Corrina VanFossen - Harmony Vocals
Dave Clo - Guitar
Tony Bonardi - Piano, Strings, Synths
Jan Roll - Drums and Percussion
Words and Music by David Foster and Linda Thompson Jenner. Warner-Tamberlane Publishing OBO Linda’s Boys Music. Peermusic III Ltd.
Piano and Strings recorded by Tony Bonardi. Guitar Recorded at Camp David Studio, Nashville, TN. Recording Engineer Dave Clo. Recorded at Tony’s Treasures Studio, Cadiz, OH.
7. Christmas Drive - Amy Frazier and Nick Garner
Amy Frazier - Lead and Harmony Vocals
Nick Garner - Lead and Harmony Vocals
Andrew Roth - Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass
Lorne VanFossen - Feedback Guitar
Mark Puskarich - Percussion, Bells
David Plantz - Harmony Vocals, Piano, Organ, Strings
Jan Roll - Drums
“I would like to dedicate my work on this CD to my Uncle Kristofer Edwards, who is winning his fight against Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He beat it the first time in 2003, and defeated it again in 2009, all with a smile on his face. His faith, determination, and positive attitude have been truly inspiring.” - Amy Frazier
8. Three Hundred Sixty Four - Carly and Dave Clo
Carly Clo - Lead and Harmony Vocals
Dave Clo - Guitar, Bass, Keys, Drums, Programming
“We would like to dedicate this song to Michael and Frances of Miami, FL, who lost their 18-year old son Michael Jonathan Vile to cancer on October 19, 2011. He was a warm hearted young man who everyone loved but he was needed in Heaven.” - Dave Clo
9. Merry Christmas Baby - Matt O’Ree Band
Matt O’Ree - Vocals, Guitars
Eric Safka - Racing Blue B3 Organ with Leslie
Scott Bennert - Bass
John Hummel - Drums
“We would like to dedicate this song to our dear friend and long time supporter, Michael Burns. Cancer took his life and robbed the world of one of the most beautiful human beings we've ever met. You're in our hearts always. “ - Matt O’Ree
10. Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight) - Hot Pink Racers
Joe Cygan - Vocals, Guitar
Victor Erlanger - Guitar
John Hetrick - Keyboard
Bill Jingo - Bass
Matt Stoessner - Drums
Words and Music Joey Ramone. WB Music Corp.
Recorded at Tony’s Treasures Studio, Cadiz, OH.
11. It’s Christmas - Cody and Patty Romshak
Cody Romshak - Lead Vocal, Guitars, Bass, Piano
Patty Romshak - Harmony Vocals
Jan Roll - Drums
12. Baby It’s Cold Outside - Maria Durant and Johnny DiLoretto
Maria Durant - Vocals
Johnny DiLoretto - Vocals
Tony Bonardi - Piano, Strings, Bass Synth
Dave Clo - Guitar
Jan Roll - Drums
Words and Music by Frank Loesser. Frank Music Corp. Publisher.
Piano, Strings and Bass Synth recorded by Tony Bonardi. Vocals recorded at Steezo Sound in Gahanna, OH. Recording Engineer Eric Jones. Guitar recorded at Camp David Studio in Nashville, TN. Recording Engineer Dave Clo. Drums Recorded at Tony’s Treasures Studio, Cadiz, OH.
“I would like to dedicate ‘Baby It's Cold Outside’ to my Aunt Margaret Kosco. She died 2 years ago of pancreatic cancer and Christmas was always a favorite time of year for her that she shared with her family. She organized the Christmas Cookie Exchange every year! I love you Aunt Marg. And love to my dear friend Madeleine -- an angel -- diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and refusing to give in to cancer!! And to all of you who support your friends and loved ones who have had cancer. Love to My family: Matt & Donovan.” - Maria Durant
“When I was kid no one loved me more than my Aunt Ada. At least, that's what I liked (and still like) to believe. My aunt fostered in me my lifelong love of the wondrous pop standards of the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s that she sung to me so often. She died of breast cancer when I was 16 and too much of a selfish teenager to tell her how very dearly I'd always loved her. So, though the gesture's a little too late, I dedicate ‘Baby It's Cold Outside’ to her.” - Johnny DiLoretto
13. Starbright - Angela An & Chuck Strickler
Chuck Strickler - Vocals
Angela An - Piano
Words and Music by Jim Brickman. Universal Music-Multisongs Brickman
Piano recorded at Angela An’s home by Mark Puskarich. Vocals recorded at Sonic Lounge Studios, Grove City, OH. Recording Engineer, Joe Viers.
“I would like to dedicate the magical hope and spirit of Christmas in the song, ‘Starbright’ to my father, Al Strickler, a prostate cancer survivor, and to my loving friend and partner in news, Heather Pick, who fought valiantly in her battle against breast cancer. There is not one day that passes that I don’t think of her grace and elegance - and her bright smile - even in the darkest of days…” - Chuck Strickler
"I would like to dedicate 'Silent Night' to my good friend Zack Jones. He was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer in 2010 at the age of 14. He is currently in full remission and has been an inspiration to many people, including myself. He is a true "Survivor." I also would like to thank my friends and fellow Relay For Life teammates for encouraging me to sing and help them raise money to cure cancer." - Abby Dodds
16. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Piano) - Mitch Fox and Friends
Mitch Fox - Piano
Jared Craig - Double Bass
Jan Roll - Drums
Words and Music by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin, EMI Feist Catalog, Inc.
Recorded at Tony’s Treasures Studio, Cadiz, OH.
“After some thought about a dedication for this song, I’ve decided to pass along a greeting and thank you to Mark, Lorne, Corrina, Cody and everyone involved with ACTCC over the last 10 years.... so many great musicians, singers, writers, event organizers, volunteers and sponsors have stepped forward to become part of this event. It has been a rare privilege for me, for the past nine years, to be associated with such incredibly talented and dedicated people who have given countless hours of time, money, blood, sweat and tears to produce such a worthwhile project. If all these names that should be included were listed here, there would not be room in the liner for anyone else to have a word, so with that in mind, I’ll offer to all.... Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Thank you.” - Mitch Fox
“I dedicate these performances in memory of my dear friend and fellow drummer Kenny Larkin.” - Jan Roll
17. The Secret Of Christmas - Rachel Sepulveda and Friends
Rachel Sepulveda - Vocals
Tony Bonardi - Piano
Derek DiCenzo - Guitar, Double Bass
Jan Roll - Drums
Words and Music by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen. Kobalt Music Pub America I OBO Music Pub Company of America.
Recorded at Tony’s Treasures Studio, Cadiz, OH.
18. Fireside - Angela An
Angela An - Piano
Words and Music by Jim Brickman. Universal Music-Multisongs Brickman.
Recorded at Angela An’s home by Mark Puskarich.
"I am dedicating my solo to my grandmother, who gave me the gift of music with my first baby grand piano, and a woman who showed me strength, sweetness, and dignity until the day she passed. And I am so touched to accompany my good friend Chuck Strickler in another song, dedicating our friendship to "our girl"-- Heather Pick. She was the smile that warmed our hearts and the soul that continues to comfort us today." - Angela An
19. O Holy Night - Danielle Elias
Danielle Elias - Lead Vocal
Kim Shama-Hanna - Piano, Harmony Vocals
Public Domain - Traditional
Recorded at PrimeTime Studio, Akron, OH. Recording Engineer Tom Hanna.
“I am forever grateful to my grandmother, Helen Esber, a breast cancer survivor, who taught me the importance of love, family, prayer and graciousness. To her I dedicate in eternal memory, ‘Oh Holy Night.’ Merry Christmas Sito.” - Danielle Elias
20. Believe - Ellen Bryan
Ellen Bryan - Lead Vocal
Corrina VanFossen - Harmony Vocals
Cody Romshak - Harmony Vocals - Take Out
Dave Clo - Guitar, Bass Guitar
Tony Bonardi - Piano, Strings, Synths
Jan Roll - Drums
Words and Music by Alan Anthony Silvestri and Glen Ballard. Universal Music Corp. OBO Hazen Music. Sony/ATV Tunes OBO Jobanala Music.
Piano and Strings recorded by Tony Bonardi. Guitar and Bass Recorded at Camp David Studio, Nashville, TN. Recording Engineer Dave Clo. Recorded at Tony’s Treasures Studio, Cadiz, OH.
“I dedicate my performance to all of the children in the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Spending time with them and seeing their determination and strength have inspired me beyond words. May God bless you all and keep you in His hands.” - Ellen Bryan
“For all my efforts in producing this CD, I dedicate it to Stefanie Spielman, Heather Pick and my brother-in-law Claudio DiBartolomeo. All three have impacted my life and their communities significantly and continue to leave a legacy in so many ways. With everything I do to help with cancer charity fundraising, I continue to celebrate the survivorship of my dear friend Lorne VanFossen.” - Mark Puskarich
For additional pictures and videos, and the latest on fundraising and concert dates, please visit our website at www.achristmastocurecancer.org. A Christmas To Cure Cancer, Inc. is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) non –profit corporation EIN-83-0372707.
Thanks To:
A very special thanks to Joe Viers of Sonic Lounge Studios in Grove City, OH www.sonicloungestudios.com and Eric Jones of Steezo Sound in Gahanna, OH http://steezosound.com for helping with the recordings in Central Ohio. And always, thanks to Cody Romshak and Dave Clo, without them I’d never be able to pull this off. To my sister Lisa for proofing everything on a minute’s notice and catching all the small things. Mark Frizzell, Matt Cooperrider, Dave Marsh and all the wonderful folks at West-Camp Press for making my small projects of big importance to your facility. Laura Strickland of The Sheepdog Group, for all your beautiful designs in support of the charities. To my very good friend and partner in the charity, Julie Smolenski, who has put in hundreds of hours helping to grow the charity over the past few years. To Bill Carson of Saks Fifth Avenue at Polaris Fashion Place, I so appreciate all your support of our events and your friendship even more. To Tammy Dosch and Angela An, for your many years of support and sharing my passion to charitable causes and doing it right. For the continued support from David and Sue Ellen Deiley. To Steve and Kim Mack for all their support of Blues For A Cure and A Christmas To Cure Cancer. To Siobhan Blake and our Pelotonia cycle team. To Cindy Blake, Nancy Schaefer, Tiffany Harrison, Melinda Warner, Ruth Ann Shadwick, Chris Quinn, Jill Bookhout, Kathy Lucas and all the other volunteers for assisting with the concerts and events. To the wonderful folks at 10TV, Angela An, Chuck Strickler, Doug Jones, Arica Robbins, Andrea Cambern, and Angela Pace. To Frank Tuttle and his team of volunteer photographers and videographers, who shoot our events. And, thanks so much to everyone for supporting our cause. We all work so very hard to help make an impact on cancer research. - Mark Puskarich