Carols By Candlelight Returns With Beloved Annual Holiday Country Concerts
The spectacular family holiday concert, Carols by Candlelight, will take place at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Now in its 32nd year, proceeds from this holiday country concert will go to Rady Children’s Hospital.
About Carols by Candlelight
Steve Vaus and Wayne Nelson of Little River Band created Carols by Candlelight in 1990 with the goal of making a life-changing difference in the lives of children. Originally a free concert at Horton Plaza, the event outgrew that location, moving to the Poway Center for the Performing Arts and ultimately, to its current home, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
Over the years, Carols by Candlelight has featured music stars Kenny Loggins, Phil Vassar, LeAnn Rimes, Billy Ray Cyrus, America, BJ Thomas, Bucky Covington, Collin Raye, Sara Evans, Little River Band, the Commodores, and many others singing Christmas Carols along with their biggest hits.
Award-winning headliners!
The two-night concert will feature country music stars singing their hits and favorite holiday songs. This year’s headliner is Mark Wills, making his Carols by Candlelight debut. Wills, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, has eight Top 10 Country Singles, three Top 10 Country Albums and has been named Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist.
Other headliners, and Carols by Candlelight veteran performers, include Jamie O’Neal, Anna Vaus, and Steve Vaus (2010 Grammy winner). O’Neal, an Academy of Country Music Award Winner, and multi-Grammy Nominee,
has three Top 10 Country Singles. Anna Vaus was recently named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country; she also just received the Miranda Lambert Award and ASCAP Award.
Also appearing in this year’s line-up is Back to the Garden, a Woodstock tribute band, recreating the music of the era, featuring the music of the Byrds, the Doors, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Joni Mitchell, Mamas and the Papas, Carole King, the Eagles, and more.
Following the on-stage performances, to close the evening, the audience and stars meet in the courtyard and sing “Silent Night” by candlelight.
In addition to the live entertainment, the benefit also features a live auction offering autographed guitars and other items, as well as silent auction items and raffle prizes, donated by sponsoring organizations. To learn ways to get involved or become a donor, visit here.
Get your tickets!
Tickets are available (starting at $18) through the Box Office at (800) 988-4253. Active-duty military and first responders may purchase tickets at the box office at 50% off regular prices (ID required).
VIP Orchestra seating, first 16 rows, is $94 per ticket, while the standard orchestra is $70 per ticket.
For more information, visit here.
See you there, San Diego!
