The Athens A-Train Band set to spread holiday cheer at Wire Park.

Wire Park is excited to welcome The Athens A-Train Band as the headlining musical performer for the first Christmas at Wire Park on Dec. 12.

The band, a longtime staple in the Athens area music scene, boasts a robust and diverse musical range that spans Latin tunes to jazz, as well as Blues, ballads and swing. The Athens A-Train Band is a six-piece group featuring Christine LaFontaine as its lead vocalist, bringing energy and confidence to the stage every time she takes the microphone. 

She’s joined by a roster of accomplished musicians, including Mike Jones, tenor saxophonist; David Gastley, guitarist; Darrin Cook, upright bassist; Jamie DeRevere, drummer; and Ron McClendon, keyboardist. 

Each year, The Athens A-Train Band would host a Christmas concert at The Foundry, a popular live music venue located in Downtown Athens. The safety protocols in place due to COVID-19, however, have forced the annual show to be postponed.

The opportunity to perform at Wire Park, in a safe, open air environment, enables the band to keep its holiday tradition alive and reach a new audience with its jazz stylings. Be sure to check out a sampling of the band’s musical talents, including performances of various holiday favorites, at their website.

Christmas at Wire Park, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, promises to be the first of many events held at the planned mixed-use development. A community concert that celebrates the holiday season, it is free for the public and will feature a collection of food trucks, including Java Joy, the popular coffee cart benefitting Extra Special People. Santa Claus will be on hand to visit with children and their families.

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and chairs to enjoy the holiday music, which is slated to start at 6:30 p.m., and a fire pit will be set up to allow for families to roast s’mores. Wire Park will be adhering to CDC-approved safety guidelines for COVID-19, including the encouragement of social distancing and mask wearing.