Yesterday we spent Christmas With The Trail Band at the Aladdin Theater, a family tradition for the last 8 years that for me marks the beginning of Christmas.

The Trail Band was formed by Marv Ross (late of Quarterflash) in 1991 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Oregon Trail. Originally performing music from the Oregon Trail, the 8 members of the band have since added a wide repertoire of both traditional music from around the world and original pieces. They have been performing the Christmas show for 11 years.

The Trail Band includes Lex Browning (guitar, violin, and mandolin), Mick Doherty (hammer dulcimer, string bass, electric bass), Phil Neuman (tuba, pennywhistle, recorders, flageolet, cornet, fluegelhorn), Gayle Neuman (violin, tenor horn, trombone, banjo, recorders), Marv Ross (guitar), Rindy Ross (also late of Quarterflash; reeds/woodwinds), musical director Cal Scott (cornet, mandolin, guitar, keyboards), and Dan Stueber (drums, percussion).

Every year the Christmas show includes several special guests: Linda Hornbuckle, who rocks the theater!, and comedian Scott Parker as Harold — a second-grader whose recitation of the Christmas story gets funnier every year. This year for the first time, the guest list included Hosein Salehi, who plays the santour (Persian hammer dulcimer) and his son, Bobak Salehi , who accompanies on tombak and daf (hand drums). The Salehis played three pieces in traditional Persian style to loud applause from the audience and vast amazed appreciation from those sitting next to me (# 1 Son and his girlfriend E, my brother J, sister-in-law L, and niece Z).

If you’ve never seen the Trail Band Christmas show, it’s not too late! There are still two shows scheduled for today, 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Tickets may still be available at the door. Go early, only street parking is available at the Aladdin.

Trail Band CDs, including 3 Christmas albums, can be purchased at the show or directly from their web site.

Mom’s take on Christmas With The Trail Band:

Our evening finished with mac & cheese, pork loin and jambalaya at Le Bistro Montage, topped off with key lime pie and bread pudding. Montage has been a family favorite for #1 Son and I since we discovered it several years ago, but it was a new experience for Z, J and L. Z is 6 this year and was particularly impressed with the foil-wrapped take-home, sculpted to look like swans, a crab, a kitten and a sword.

Mom’s take on Montage:

And a wonderful time was had by all.