Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
Travis Kelce, tight end for the NFL champion Kansas City Chiefs, may get more exposure as the boyfriend of pop superstar Taylor Swift, but his brother, Jason, is catching up.
Jason, retired Philadelphia Eagle center and 2018 Super Bowl champion, is a rising star thanks and part to a holiday recording he recently did with Fleetwood Mac/solo rock star Stevie Nicks.
Nicks and Kelce collaborated to record “Maybe This Christmas” (Vera Y Records), the second single from the full-length holiday album, “A Philly Special Christmas,” released in November by The Philly Specials (current Eagle players Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, and ex-Eagle Jason Kelce).
“Maybe This Christmas” is an Americana-tinged song that finds Nicks and Kelce trading verses brimming with hope that the season will inspire re-connection with lost loved ones as they sing, “and maybe forgiveness will ask us to call, someone we love, someone we’ve lost for reasons we can’t quite recall, maybe this Christmas.”
“I was really hoping this song would resonate with Jason when we were kicking around ideas for this record, and it’s clear from the way he inhabits that beautiful melody that it did,” said producer Charlie Hall. “To have Stevie Nicks, one of the all-time masters of emotional transference (and an all-time hero of mine) come in and amplify it all is a dream. I love this duet so much.”
“There are no words to describe how incredible it is to have Stevie Nicks on this record,” says executive producer Conner Barwin. “There is so much emotion in this song, and it was thrilling to be with them in the studio and watch her and Jason connect, be creative together, and witness this beautiful song become a reality.”
Pre-orders are open on The Philly Specials official website for the limited-edition white vinyl pressing of “A Philly Special Christmas Party.” Proceeds from the vinyl sales will go to support Children’s Crisis Treatment Center’s Holiday Toy Drive and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Snowflake Station, in addition to other Philadelphia-based organizations.
Kelce fans will recall that this is his second musical go-round. The 2022 release, “A Philly Special Christmas,” quickly sold out its limited edition pressing. The album earned spots in the Top 10 of multiple Billboard music charts, including a No. 1 ranking on the Compilation Albums Chart. It raised over $1 million for local charities.
More here: http://phillyspecialchristmas.com.
Singer-Songwriter Cape May Conference Deadline: After a five-year absence, the Singer-Songwriter Cape May Conference returns on March 28-29, bringing live performances and artist mentorship back to historic Congress Hall, and 15 other live music venues throughout Cape May.
Helmed by music industry veteran John Harris, this celebrated event combines two days of music business panels, workshops, mentoring, and keynote sessions at Congress Hall’s Grand Ballroom and Harrison Conference Center. Over 50 music industry professionals will lead discussions, provide guidance, and inspire attendees with their expertise.
“We are honored to partner with Cape Resorts for the return of Singer-Songwriter of Cape May Conference and Showcase,” said Harris in an email interview. “We’ll have 15 local live music venues participating to host showcase performances at night, all free and open to the public. Showcasing performers will be selected from artists submissions via our website and the deadline to submit is Friday, December 20.”
In 2008 the Singer-Songwriter of Cape May Conference and Showcase debuted and ran until 2020. At its height of popularity, it featured 150 acts and artists at 17 venues, with 70 speakers.
“Cape May is an amazing backdrop for this boutique music business conference and showcase,” adds Harris. “For twelve years musicians would flock to Cape May in early spring to do their thing; 2025 will be sort of a reunion. The local community has always been so supportive of the event and musicians feel that. We can’t wait for Singer-Songwriter Weekend!”
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
