The Signature Newspaper - December 10, 2009 - Reprinted with permission

La Veta is the inspiration for Ricky Tims’ Christmas in a Small Town

Ricky Tims presents Christmas concert and new CD

By Brad Atchison

 (LA VETA, COLO.—Dec. 10, 2009)  Ricky Tims describes the time he has spent in La Veta as simple life on a grand scale, and is also an exceptionally fitting description for his most recent artistic endeavor. With this multi-faceted project Tims has pieced together music and memories into a holiday tapestry that depicts Christmas in a Small Town.

Christmas in a Small Town is a three-part production; live concert, new CD and a web-based multi media event.  Each of these expressions shows the creativity, sincerity and fiber of a multi-talented artist. 

Tims’ seasonal Christmas concerts have become a holiday tradition for the residents of Huerfano County, southern Colorado and snowbirds who brave a winter visit to their summer nests in Cuchara and La Veta.  His concerts present like a big-stage review without losing the intimacy and familiarity of a local production. 

“It's all fun, but I would say far from relaxed,” said Tims.  “This year there is new music and new musicians.”  For his 2009 production, Tims is bringing back Jeff Bilyeau to play the didgeridoo and the Broadway voice of Nashville recording artist Kat Bowser.  In addition, Tims has invited local percussionist Johnny Watson and Colorado’s internationally renowned Veronika String Quartet to join him on stage. 

Christmas in a Small Town is also the name of Ricky Tims new CD.  Although some recording artists approach Christmas music like an obligation, Tims’ holiday recording project avoids the ‘insipid’ and revels in the ‘inspired’.  The 12 musical tracks feature a mix of the secular and spiritual, contemporary and traditional as well as holiday standards and originals.

Tims harnessed the talents of friends, studio musicians, a small ensemble of strings and the Canterbury Choir of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia to create his CD.  While the rest of La Veta was enjoying sunny summer days, Tims was hard at work in the studio producing this project. 

“I spent June, July, and August doing the final arrangements and production of the CD,” said Tims.  “It is by far the most significant personal work of my life. I'm very proud of it.”  That is a remarkable statement coming from one of the most accomplished artists in the world of quilting. 

Along with arranging, producing the CD, Tims designed the CD cover, wrote the title track, and the closing track (All is Well).  Tims also recorded the male vocals, played the flute, recorder, piano and…toy piano. Those who attended his 2008 Christmas Show heard Tims’ story of finding and restoring a toy piano that had been a gift to his cousin in the Christmas of 1957. 

“Our 8 millimeter home movie shows that I was far more attracted to the toy piano than I was to my new rocking horse or tricycle,” recalled Tims.  Just last year, Tims stumbled across the piano in a storage shed while visiting his family.  He employed the skills of local luthier and musician, David Enke, who restored the piano to its toy grandeur. 

Tims employs the tender plunk of his refurbished piano throughout the disc.  The lonely sound of the musical toy gives grand arrangements a simplicity and authenticity that will resonate with kids of all ages; especially those who close their eyes and see sugarplum fairies dancing while listening to The Nutcracker Suite.      

The CD, which makes a great Christmas gift for all, can be purchased at local retail outlets—but hurry, it’s selling out fast.

The final and most far-reaching component of Christmas in a Small Town, is Tims’ website (www.christmasinasmalltown.com).  On this site you can listen to tracks from his CD, watch clips from previous concerts and see the Super 8 footage of a toddling Ricky banging away on the toy piano that is featured in his current production.  

 One of the most compelling and connecting aspects of this multi-media event are the stories that fans have posted about memories of their own “small town” Christmas.  “The website has over 100 stories,” said Tims with pride.  “They really are fantastic.”  

You can see Ricky and his friends play songs from his new CD and celebrate the holiday in the town that was his inspiration for this project on December 17, 18 and 19 at the Francisco Center for the Performing Arts, 127 W. Francisco in La Veta.  There will be two shows nightly at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  You can purchase tickets online, at Charlie’s Market, Tims Art Quilt Studio, or by calling 719-742-3755.

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Corrections to the artlcle – All is Well is written by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Michael W. Smith. The toy piano was restored by both David and Annie Enke.