We have subjected Nashville recording artist Doug Allen Nash to our 20 (or so) questions before. But since he’ll be back into Grand Forks with an all-new Christmas show at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 3 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Empire Arts Center, it seems appropriate to question him yet again. This time about all things Christmas.
Doug’s Country Christmas features a host of guest artists (including “Elvis”) and a big band of talented musicians.
Tickets are available at www.empireartscenter.com or (701) 746-5500. Doug’s previous Empire shows, tributes to Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond, have sold out. There’s no reason to believe these won’t as well.
So now, 20 more questions for Doug Allen Nash:
TD: What’s special about your Christmas show?
DAN: The guests, the musicians. The show is a fast-paced production. It is diverse with Christmas classics such as Andy Williams’ “The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year,” “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Vince Vance, Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run,” Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Christmas duets, Eartha Kid’s “Santa Baby,” Elvis’ “Here Comes Santa Claus” and, of course, “Blue Christmas,” plus a salute to the American veterans!
TD: Tell us about your guests on the show.
DAN: They include Nashville’s own Wendy Newcomer, who’s sung on the Grand Ole Opry stage. WHAT A TALENT! Blake & Kiki singing a couple of holiday classics and a special appearance by Elvis in a jumpsuit and the whole shabang!
TD: What is it about Christmas music that is so appealing to people?
DAN: It’s about homecoming, nostalgia, looking back to a more innocent time in one’s life or cultural history.
TD: What were your childhood Christmases like?
DAN: Memorable, happy, filled with love and kindness, very blessed.
TD: Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?
DAN: I cherish them all with my family. Entertaining our troops stationed overseas during Christmas is also a cherished memory, a magical experience.
TD: What is your favorite Christmas song?
DAN: “Mary Did You Know.”
TD: Do you have a favorite Christmas album?
DAN: Many albums and artists, from Elvis to Michael Bublé.
TD: Name a Christmas song that makes you cringe.
DAN: “Back Door Santa” by Bon Jovi.
TD: Did you watch Christmas specials on television, like those starring Perry Como and Andy Williams?
DAN: Yes! And Bob Hope, Dean Martin, John Denver and others.
TD: What is the coolest gift you ever gave someone?
DAN: I was about 7 years old and I gave my mother a gift that I liked. It was a porcelain statue of a cowboy on a horse!! I still have it today!!
TD: What was your favorite Christmas present as a kid?
DAN: My first electric guitar! I thought I was the luckiest kid in the world!
TD: Real or artificial Christmas tree?
DAN: Both, as long as it’s Christmas!
TD: Do you like eggnog?
DAN: Yes, especially if it’s spiked!
TD: Do you prefer to open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
DAN: Both!!
TD: What kind of Christmas shopper are you? Do you shop early or late?
DAN: I’m a male to a fault. LATE.
TD: When do you start listening to Christmas music? December? November? October?
DAN: This year September!!
TD: What is the ugliest Christmas ornament you have ever seen?
DAN: Anything political.
TD: What is your favorite holiday movie?
DAN: “Christmas Vacation.”
TD: Have you ever watched one of those Hallmark Christmas movies on television?
DAN: Only when I’m dating and I have to.
TD: What is your favorite kind of Christmas cookie?
DAN: Sugar cookies with royal icing!
TD: Have you ever re-gifted a Christmas present?
DAN: No.
TD: When did you stop believing in Santa Claus? Or have you?
DAN: What? What are you talking about? Never stopped. Next question!
TD: Ham or turkey?
DAN: Turkey.
TD: Have you ever been away from home at Christmas time?
DAN: Yes. USO shows entertaining American troops stationed in Asia and the Mediterranean. Memorable.
TD: Should Christmas trees have clear or colored lights?
DAN: There’s a time and setting for both.
TD: When should Christmas decorations be taken down?
DAN: Depends on what part of the country y’all are from!!
TD: What’s the most stressful part of Christmas for you?
DAN: I would say travel, especially by air.
TD: Do you like fruitcake?
DAN: No.
