by Carol Dunn
LA VETA- If you could sit through an entire “Christmas in a Small Town” concert without at least once having a tear in your eye, then you are stronger than this writer. A spirit of musical nostalgia and holiday appreciation washed across the Town of La Veta on December 18, 19 and 20 as the musical gifts of Ricky Tims teamed up with the clear, powerful voice of Kat Bowser, Nashville vocalist. With appearances by Jeff Bilyeau on percussion, vocals and didgeridoo, the concert wove together old Christmas favorites with the Native American “Huron Carol” and a set of jazzy compositions Tims dreamed about and composed in a 24-hour period last summer. Bowser, who returned to La Veta to reprise her acclaimed performance last year, sang a stunning rendition of “Mary Did You Know,” about the birth of Christ.
Spotlighted throughout the entire performance was the recently restored toy piano that started the musical career of Ricky Tims at the age of one. Bringing forth the best sound we’ve ever heard on a toy piano, Tims accompanied “Carol of the Bells,” synchronized with a video backdrop of Christmas quilts from around the world. Tims also treated the audience to the sounds of a 1904 Farrand & Votey pump organ.
Tims announced that, after editing, hopefully near Christmas day, the concert will be available for viewing on a blog at www.thequiltshow.com.
