Lexington Park, MD – For the past four years, Donovan Farrell has gathered his musician friends for a “Christmas Mashup” that shows off local artists, as well as, businesses in the area. “I’ve seen the Great Pyramids, Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, The Colosseum. But I still think my home Southern Maryland is the most beautiful place in all the world and I’m so grateful to have grown up and live here,” said Farrell while he was talking about his love for Southern Maryland and the reasons for making the video.
The video was shot in various Southern Maryland locations, starting in Leonardtown before going to Old Town Pub, Solomon’s, and Hill’s Country Store. Featured in the medley are local artists Phillip Michael Parsons, Brandi Sydnor, Donald Quade, Wes Ryce, Robbie Boothe, LaKeisha Smith, and Farrell himself. “Myself, Robbie Boothe, Wes Ryce, Brandi Sydnor, Donald Quade, and LaKeisha Smith have been in all four years,” stated Farrell, who added that Parsons has been in the last two Christmas compositions.
Farrell explained that he “originally chose these folks because I have been friends with them before the project started.” The artist then expressed that he likes the diversity of the group of artists, providing “a great mix of country, rock, pop, and R&B voices coming together.” Farrell stated that he is “very honored” that his friends accept his “invitation to do these songs each year, it’s truly a humbling experience to work with such talented individuals.”
The songs performed include “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”–sung by Farrell and Parsons, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”–sung by Brandi Sydnor, “Jingle Bell Rock”–sung by Donald Quade, Wes Ryce and Robbie Boothe, and “All I Want for Christmas Is You”–performed by LaKeisha Smith who is joined by the other artists for the end of the song.
The video finishes with a dedication to Wes Ryce’s late father, Danny Ryce Jr., who passed away this year. Farrell stated that he was such a huge proponent of local music and was always helping out the local music scene. He personally told me multiple times how much he loved the Christmas videos because of how so many genres were getting together to show off our amazing home area.” Ryce was 59 when he passed this past May.
Farrell ended stating, “All of us in this video are humbled by the love and support that we are given and each year hope to spread some Christmas cheer as best we can. Thank you Southern Maryland!”
All of the Christmas videos can be found here, along with Farrell’s other works.
The video was filmed by Connor Bullis and Winson Media, with Bullis directing and editing the video as well. The song was mixed and mastered in Leonardtown by “Rockin’ Rob Layman.”
Contact Jerold at staffwriter@thebaynet.com.