‘A Country Christmas’ is coming back to Warsaw on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Lakeview Middle School for the 12th year, and will be featuring some well-known country music artists, along with some regular faces that have come year after year.
‘A Country Christmas’ will feature Susie McEntire, Keenie Moore, Tess Frizzell, Bobby Tomberlin, and Jason Michael Carroll. McEntire, alongside organizer Mike Loher, created the concert 12 years ago as a way to help Toys for Tots.
“There are always kids that are needing a gift. There’s somebody out there that their parents can’t afford to buy one,” stated McEntire.
Carroll served in the U.S. Marine Corps and has a special place in his heart for the Toys for Tots drive. “I’ve done several events with Toys for Tots over the years; directly and indirectly with the Marine Corps. Sometimes it’s a civilian group that wants to help and make sure no kid goes without a Christmas, which is a great cause.”
“Mike kind of went overboard this year with the men, you know?” McEntire said. “I mean, we’ve had lots of women on the stage, but he went overboard. Thank God he got Tess Frizzell, who has a legacy that’s killer.”
Frizzell, who will be joining all the performers on the stage, is the daughter of Shelly West, a Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music award winner; and Allen Frizzell, an award-winning country gospel artist. Her grandmother, Dottie West, is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with her uncle, Lefty Frizzell. McEntire stated that she is an awesome artist and an amazing painter.
Carroll, a country artist, has been on the country music scene since the early 2000s.
“Mike Loher and I have been friends for a long time,” said Carroll. “He’s told me about it for several years, and we’ve never been able to line my schedule up with coming and helping the Warsaw community.”
This year marks Moore’s fourth year at ‘A Country Christmas’ concert. When asked what keeps bringing her back, she stated that this is her favorite event every year.
“I’m actually getting ready to leave here in about a day to play a couple shows in Vegas, and I will leave my son home with my husband,” said Moore. “This is one of the events I travel to with my son because it is such a family-oriented event. There are so many volunteers that put so much time and effort into this. Not only are they catering us with food, and hugs, or anything that you would want, but they’re also helping to take care of my little boy. They just become family. There’s a lot of new ones, but there are also those that come every year, and we look forward to seeing them just as much as they look forward to seeing us.”
When asked if there were any surprises that attendees can look forward to, Moore stated that she was not supposed to tell if it’s a surprise, but the theme this year is America’s Birthday; and three new people that they will have on stage.
“It’ll be fun for the audience to hear completely new stories, completely new songs, things that they’re not used to,” said Moore. “I’m also coming with some new songs this year. I think there’s going to be a lot of new stuff.”
“I’ve never been there. I’ve played all around the state of Indiana, but never been to Warsaw. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve heard so many great things about this show, and it will be wonderful,” stated Tomberlin. “I do a lot of shows every year, and when we do the shows, we tell the stories behind the songs. It’s a really fun type of show where you can have this intimate moment, sharing the stories behind the songs, and hearing the way we sing them. It’s definitely going to be a fun time.”
“I’ve got a lot of ties to Warsaw over the years, and I love coming out there and being a part of the event,” Carroll stated.
This will not be his first time to Warsaw but will be his first time at ‘A Country Christmas’ concert. “I was really excited that our schedule could line up and do this event.”
Being In Warsaw
“It’s been a wonderful experience to come to Warsaw, to get to know the community. I love coming up there, it’s a wonderful thing,” stated McEntire. “It’s a vibrant community. Every year we get to see new businesses going in and people are excited about them, and root for them. It’s a community where businesses get involved and sponsor events, and we couldn’t do this without them sponsoring the event.”
“A lot of people don’t realize we all play small places,” stated McEntire when asked how they were able to get some of the names that have been on the roster for ‘A Country Christmas’ concert before. “We all play places that aren’t the big Sphere in Las Vegas. Linda Davis did play big venues when she was touring with Reba, but she also plays opry’s, and just last week she played at a nursing home.”
“People need to realize that we’re all just people,” McEntire stated. “When the opportunity arises like this, and to be apart of something bigger, we’ve got to think about ‘What is this all about and how can I help?’”
Janie Fricke, who performed last year, came because she was local, and she drew a lot of local people.
“We’re trying to get as many people as possible and there are things that draw people,” said McEntire. “It’s a great venue with good sound. People can see everybody after the show. We’re usually outside signing autographs.”
Carroll did admit that on previous trips to Warsaw, he had visited the Animal Welfare League in Pierceton to give some of the animals there the love they need. He also was looking forward to visiting a local spa for some relaxation and meditation.
When asked what she was looking forward to when coming back to Warsaw, Moore stated, “Everything, honestly. This is one of my favorite events every year, so much so that I’m flying my mom into town, and she drives up with me. This will be her second or third year doing this with me. She also enjoys it, and seeing everyone that we only get to see once a year. Just everything; the facility it’s at to the accommodations with our rooms and the staff. Everyone pours in all of their hard work and effort, and we appreciate it all. There’s really nothing like the people in Warsaw. They really care about this event, the community, and us, and we can really feel that.”
“The places that I have played, there are so many kind people in Indiana, and coming during December and the holiday season, will just make it extra special,” said Tomberlin.
Tomberlin explained that this will be his first time in Warsaw, and is looking forward to not only the people, but seeing all the Christmas lights around the county. He stated that he is a big Christmas person and is looking forward to the snow and celebrating Christmas. Tomberlin stated that before Thanksgiving, he had his Christmas tree up and was already listening to Christmas music.
“I become like a kid again,” said Tomberlin
Looking Forward To Christmas And Beyond
“I’ve got a new record coming out in February, and I’m very excited about that,” Carroll said.
This record will have 17 tracks, including a single that he did with Petey Pablo, a rapper that Carroll has had a long-time friendship with.
“Petey grew up right down the street from me, so I know he’s as country as cornbread.”
Carroll stated that a lot of country today that does have duets with rappers feel forced and is proud of how the song turned out. His second single is titled “Whatever Happened to Heroes”, is his call for accountability, responsibility, and for people to stand up to do the right thing.
“Since COVID, my career has slowed a bit, and my kids have started having babies. I have had such a good time being home, and being an influence in my children’s kids’ life,” said Carroll.
McEntire stated that she and her husband are going to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, going to LA for a job her husband has, and then they will make the trek to Warsaw.
“By the time I get to Warsaw, and start heading back south to home, I’m going to be looking forward to putting my feet up,” said McEntire.
She said that she is looking forward to spending Christmas with her grandchildren.
“We just ask that you be generous and smile at people,” said McEntire. “This Christmas season you have no idea what people are going through. You never, ever know what people are going through in their lives.”
“This is my last big hoo-rah before Christmas,” Moore said. “My husband and I are celebrating our eighth wedding anniversary on New Years. I have new music coming out, and I just released a new song today. I’m going to be playing a lot more shows, and I think this next year will be a lot of fun for me, my family, and my personal growth with music.” Moore’s new song, released Dec. 1, is called “Taming Mustangs,” that she wrote with her friends, John Ritter and Matt Wynn, and is about growing up in a ranching and rodeo family.
Tomberlin said that he recently released a memoir titled ‘I’ve Lived Country Music’, which is about his journey as a songwriter, the singers he’s worked with, and how it has shaped his life. Tomberlin will have copies of his memoir at the concert.
Pamper Me
Pamper Me is a women’s conference that McEntire and Keenie will be hosting prior to the concert at Lakeview Middle School. This is a day, as Keenie stated, that fills her cup. It is a day where they sing, hear testimonies, shop and have fellowship with attendees. There will be special guests who will be there to give their own testimonials. This event is ticketed, and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. This event is $30 per person, and advance sale tickets stop on Friday, Dec. 12. Tickets can be bought day of for $35.
The Shopping Experience and Vendor Market will be open to the public and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can browse a selection of artisans and small businesses offering boutique wear, jewelry, accessories, seasonal decor, and more.
The registration for the Pamper Me event is $30 per person, or $35 at the door. To register for the event, visit susiemcentire.com
A Country Christmas Concert will be held at Lakeview Middle School on Saturday, Dec. 13. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the concert starting at 7 p.m. The concert is free, however, they ask that you bring an unwrapped gift to give to the Toys for Tots drive.
