Hickory – The Hickory Music Factory (HMF) hosts an old fashioned 1940s Christmas Radio Hour at SALT Block – Drendel Auditorium (243 Third Avenue NE Hickory, 28601) Saturday, December 14th. This annual event is HMF’s primary fundraiser of the year. The live performance will feature Maria Howell, The Hickory Jazz Orchestra, Russ Wilson, Liam Bailey, guest artists and revives the spirit of the mid 1940s when families gathered ‘round the wireless for news and entertainment. In our digital age, the chance to experience a live radio show is rare, unique and inventive. It’s a perfect way to recapture a bygone era around the holidays; as well as help fund the exceptional community programs of The Hickory Music Factory.
The show is an interactive experience and audience members are encourage to dress in period attire for added fun. In a world of instant gratification and speed, the 1940s Christmas Radio Hour encourages people to slow down, enjoy the season and make a special evening out of the event. General admission tickets for the 2pm matinee show are $20 and for the 7pm evening show are $15 18yr and under (must be bought at the door), $25 general admission. Group rates are also available for each show. Tickets can be purchased at Larry’s Music & Sound (266 Union Square, Hickory 28601) or online at hickorymusicfactory.com. For more information contact (828)-308-5659 or [email protected]
About Maria Howell
Mere words can only capture the refrain of her awesome talent. She is the ballad of beauty and elegance. The melodies flowing from the petite vocalist are truly amazing. While casting a spellbinding smile, she mesmerizes her captive audience with incredible harmonies and rhythms.
AS AN ACTOR, she has appeared in hit TV shows such as Lifetime’s, “Army Wives”, and Marc Cherry’s, “Devious Maids”. Eric Kripke and J.J. Abrams’ apocalyptic, “Revolution”, and “Aquarius”, starring X-Files’ David Duchuvny, both on NBC, and “Criminal Minds”, alongside Joe Mantegna. Theatrical credits include, “The Blind Side”, “Addicted”, starring Sharon Leal and Boris Kodjoe, “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, as Seeder, and “Christmas Wedding Baby”, by Award-Winning Writer/Director Kiara C. Jones. She also stars in Writer/Director, Shea Sizemore’s “The Next Day.” In addition, she recurs in Bounce TV’s, “Saints & Sinners” as Lt. Hawkins, and as Ms. Sumner is the Oscar nominated film, “Hidden Figures”.
A SONG STYLIST in her own right, Maria has shared the musical stage with such legendary artists as Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Ray Charles and Earl Klugh, and Ronnie Laws. After a very successful 6 year stint in Asia, Maria relocated back to the U.S. and performed at Sambuca Jazz Café for 9 consecutive years. She and pianist Bill Wilson (son of legendary jazz pianist Teddy Wilson), held the distinction of being the longest running act at the Atlanta, GA location. As of 2017, Maria hosts her live Hollywood music series called #DUETS, featuring “songs to soothe your soul.”
Maria is not only a song stylist and actor, but a very devoted supporter of her charity of choice, Students Without Mothers, where she has served as a board member for over 8 years. www.mariahowell.com
Maria Howell
