Country fans may appreciate “Mary Did You Know: 17 Inspiration Christmas Songs From Today’s Top Country Artists.” The compilation features the popular title track, performed by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna. “Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album” is an updated re-issue of the 1968 original. A second disc, featuring five tracks, provides a modern edge to the swinging crooner’s classic original.
And speaking of crooners, if this next album is not mentioned in this column I will be deluged with a zillion e-mails. Yes, it’s Josh Groban’s “Noel.” Groban’s holiday album features cameos by the London Symphony Orchestra and Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and duets with Brian McKnight and Faith Hill. Only shoppers at Hallmark Gold Crown stores can pick up Barry Manilow’s third holiday release, “In the Swing of Christmas.” The CD is 7.95 with the purchase of three Hallmark cards.
iTunes is offering another holiday album, “A Princeton Christmas: For the Children of Africa.” The 20-song holiday collection features eight Princeton, N.Y. student choral groups and will benefit the World Food Program to combat childhood hunger in Africa. Log on to www.wfp.org . CHRISTMAS AT THE CASINOS: Holiday concerts will take over the casino concert venues in the coming weeks.
At Foxwoods’ Fox Theater in Ledyard, Brian Setzer will bring an 18-piece rockin’ big band for a special Christmas show at 9 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Tickets are 55 and 66. Wynonna will bring her holiday to the Fox Theatre at 9 p.m. Dec. 8. Tickets are 60 and 75. Daryl Hall & John Oates will also promote a new holiday CD, “Home for Christmas,” with two shows at the Fox Theatre, at 9 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15. Tickets are 55 and 66. For tickets to any Foxwoods shows, call (800) 200-2882.