B.E. Taylor is in the midst of one of his most hectic, yet beloved, times of the year.
Hard to believe that from renting one small hall in Wheeling, W.Va., in 1996 for what he thought would be a one-time live performance of his album "B.E. Taylor Christmas," he's now in the middle of his 15th Christmas concert tour.
Venues change from year to year. The big event in the Pittsburgh area usually is Aliquippa native Taylor's concert at Heinz Hall. That's set for Monday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Although frequently sold out, some tickets remained at presstime. Call the Heinz Hall box office at 412-382-4900 for availability.
"It's a good kind of crazy," Taylor said. "We're real busy, and I just pinch myself. We work all year around, but when it gets around to the end of October, it really gets busy. I could not, on my best day, have planned this success."
The tour kicked off Nov. 30 at Orchard Hill church in Wexford and concludes Dec. 22 at Capitol Music Hall in Wheeling.
Tonight at 7:30, Taylor brings his unique style to Pittsburgh East Community Church along Saltsburg Road in Plum. Those tickets are $35 for the floor and $25 for the balcony/gallery area and can be reserved by calling 412-793-1600 or 800-965-9324.
Although Taylor has a wealth of experience as a songwriter, producer and performer of all kinds of music, his unique interpretation of classic Christmas songs has earned him a loyal following.
He continues to work with longtime friend and co-producer Rick Witkowski and Chrishae Records. Taylor recorded a second Christmas album in 2002.
Music from both of those CDs not only is heard on Pittsburgh airways, but gets air time from coast to coast.
What do loyal Taylor fans have to look forward to⢠In fall of 2012, he's promised to release his third Christmas CD with all new songs.
Additional details for the rest of the Christmas tour schedule, plus performances all year, are available at www.betaylor.com.
