Nashville, TN – Perhaps nothing spreads the joy of the holiday season in the way that music can. In the spirit of the season that tells us to promote “peace on earth, good will toward men,” rising Hispanic country music singer-songwriter Stephanie Urbina Jones will return to her native Texas to embark on her third annual “Spirit of Christmas” tour December 1 – 8. Representing the Texas Heritage Music Foundation (THMF), Jones will bring Christmas cheer to homeless shelters, a children’s hospital, a veterans’ hospital, nursing homes and a special needs community. The performances will include seasonal favorites and songs from her 2015 holiday release, Feliz Navidad, Y’all.
Because of her fiery heart and the humanitarian work she has done with the organization, the THMF considers Jones their very own “Fiery Angel,” a name coined from the title of her current CD, Fiery Angel. The Foundation’s mission is “To preserve and perpetuate the traditions in Texas music, to examine the background of Texas music, to trace influences and patterns in Texas music, to document the role Texas music has played in society, and to provide free educational programming to the Texas community.”
With the tour imminent, Jones’ excitement is building.
“From the cradle to the grave, nothing touches or moves the heart more than music,” she says. “It is an honor to sing and bring the spirit of Christmas to folks who need and appreciate it most.” From inspiring a homeless shelter with “Feliz Navidad,” to clapping and singing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to special-needs friends and fans and serenading the elderly and infirm with “White Christmas,” Jones loves it all. “Nothing brings out that childlike wonder like Christmas,” she reflects. “In the end, our presence is the best gift any of us can give, so I open my heart and pour all I have into every song. It is the hardest two weeks of my year, and the most rewarding. From laughter to tears, we sing through it all!”
Janice Ballard, THMF’s Program Manager of The Music Connection, is looking forward to the third installment of the “Spirit of Christmas” tour.
“Stephanie has the unique ability to touch people like no other,” says Ballard. “She embodies the very essence of the Texas Heritage Music Foundation – that singing songs and telling stories make a difference in the world. During her annual “Spirit of Christmas” tour through the Texas Hill Country, she brings the season alive through the power of her music and her incredible ability to connect on a personal level with her audiences. We are honored to work with her these past three years.”
Jones actually credits the beginning of her international career to THMF. It was founder Kathleen Hudson who first took Jones to Mexico to represent Texas at a festival. Since then, doors have opened for her, and in the past two years, Jones has represented her Texas roots in ten countries around the world.
Jones is taking on the “Spirit of Christmas” tour in the midst of the success of her current single, “Vamanos! (Let’s Go!).” Her music seeks to integrate the heart of her bicultural roots with contemporary style, flair and passion.