ORANGE PARK – The holiday spirit was alive and well at the Thrasher-Horne Center after a fantastic show from the Wizards of Winter.

The group, made up of members from several classic rock acts, was founded 12 years ago by musical director, writer, and keyboardist Scott Kelly. Despite its impressive lineup of members, the original Wizards of Winter were a one-time show for charity.

“One show turned into two, then turned into ten, and now here we are 12years later,” Kelly said.

Clearly, the show is no stranger to unexpected circumstances taking them further than expected, and their professionalism, showmanship and excitement were a live wire on full display.

The show opened with narration from the original narrator of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Tony Gaynor. He explained the journey we were going to travel on, all to learn the true meaning of the Christmas season.

The music was incredible, reminiscent of T-SO, which only makes sense given the group’s background. With the ethereal vocals from the Queen of the North Sharon Kelly, as well as the Wizard’s Mrs. Claus Alexis Smith and heavy drum-line and guitar forward songs, the arrangements of Christmas music sounded more like Black Sabbath or Evanescence than the Andrews sisters.

Violinist Kornelia Rad, Broadway Tenor Guy LeMonnier, and Voice contestant Manny Cabo basked in the flashing lights as their theatric performances moved the show and brought the audience to their feet for ovation after ovation. Covers of “Hark the Herald Angels” and “O Holy Night” combined with the Wizards of Winter’s unique arrangements to create brand new songs which are sure to become holiday classics.

The band truly understood the spirit of Christmas.

Kelly reminded the audience about what was truly important. The Wizards of Winter support both the Wounded Warriors Project and the Tunnels2Towers Foundation, both of which support veterans.

Their work with various charities doesn’t just end at supporting veterans, they also showed their support for a New York charity that helps homeless people during the holidays by providing backpacks with supplies and a hot meal to those in need.

With the bands’ origins coming from charity, it’s no wonder that they continue to make giving back a huge part of their work.

If you saw them during this performance or missed out but want to see them in the future, follow their path on social media to keep in touch. Best put by Tony Gaynor: “We loved being here. Let’s make this our own Christmas tradition. We’ll come back if you do!”