FRANCES DROST’S ANNUAL PORTRAITS OF WHITE CONCERT HUGE SUCCESS (2015)
Packed-out Show Featured Industry Veterans, Ed Kee As Orchestra Conductor and Tom Hemby on Guitar, As Well As A Local High School Drum Line
Mechanicsburg, PA (January 8, 2016) – Pennsylvania-based singer/songwriter, Frances Drost, performed her Second Annual Portraits of White Winter Concert at Messiah College’s Parmer Hall to a packed house. In addition to featuring top-notch musicians from the surrounding area, the event featured music industry veterans, Ed Kee as Orchestra Conductor and Tom Hemby on guitar. The show-stopper of the night was a surprise performance from the West Shore Drum Line on the song “Little Drummer Boy,” earning them a much-deserved standing ovation.
“I had two goals for this year’s concert: One, fill Parmer Hall and two, exceed the expectations of the audience. I knew it would be a large task to go from selling out a 400 seat venue to filling a 775 seat venue, but Parmer Hall was full and based on comments I received in person after the concert, via social media and through private messages, I believe people were truly amazed by the evening,” says Drost. “Thanks to the hard work of many people and lots of special elements, it was a night to remember. It was a team effort and I am very proud of what we pulled off in one night. Even the unplanned moments became part of the creativity and it was such a great crowd to perform in front of. It was an honor to be able to share music with so many people and be accompanied by such a professional group of musicians.”
The two-hour concert featured songs from Drost’s Portraits of White album released in 2013 as well as many other holiday and winter classics. She sang and performed on the piano, backed by six vocalists and a full orchestra made up of players from the local area, including Buzz Jones and some members of the Buzz Jones Big Band, as well as string players representing various local symphony orchestras. Dr. Mark Hartman, Orchestra Director at Shippensburg University served as the principal violinist. Veteran music industry producer & conductor and five-time Dove Award nominee, Ed Kee (Ralph Carmichael, Doyle Lawson), led the orchestra and the band featured GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist, Tom Hemby (Amy Grant, Jessica Simpson).
“The show this year was exceptionally good musically and I know it will be even better next year,” Kee explains. “For a relatively unknown artist to completely fill concert halls two years in a row is practically unheard of. Frances does everything first class. It’s a joy to work with her. We’re already planning next year’s concert!”
Nashville-based Live Music Producer, Tom Jackson (Taylor Swift, The Band Perry), also traveled to Pennsylvania for the concert: “The show was absolutely first class. If every artist I worked with paid attention to the details like Frances did, their career would do nothing but grow.”
Drost continues, “working with Nashville Conductor, Ed Kee was a real joy and this event was definitely a joint effort. Ed brings years of music industry experience to the table and I have grown in every area as an artist thanks to working with him. I was also delighted to have Tom Jackson present for the evening. Tom and his assistants have been helping me develop as a performer and I feel like it paid off Saturday night and it was nice to have him there to see the fruit of his coaching.”
Based on the success of this year’s event, plans are already being made for the 2016 performance and tickets are already selling! The Third Annual Portraits of White Concert will be held December 10, 2016 at Christ Community Church in Camp Hill, PA (easy access from Route 15).
ABOUT FRANCES DROST
Frances Drost is a concert artist and inspirational speaker who began her own company, “Musical Creations,” as a way to encourage people on their journey through life. She skillfully combines music, teaching, and speaking to present a special, professionally designed program. As both a singer and songwriter, Drost has a unique way of presenting real-life experiences and meaningful messages that are subtly woven throughout her music. With seven albums to her credit, Drost has been working with Nashville-based label, Creative Soul Records, since 2007. In addition to preparing for the “Portraits of White” concert, Drost is in the process of writing for a new album slated to release in 2016. She also serves as Director of Worship for the Classic Service at The Meeting House Church in Carlisle, PA.
Springboard Entertainment, Anita Crawford
Portraits of White 
The concert was beyond our expectations! Frances handled a mishap beyond her control with humor and dignity. The musicians were excellent, the music was an eclectic mix of original, traditionally, and contemporary. We would highly recommend you attend.
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Hi Quin,
Thanks so much for your kind words and recommendation. I don’t know any other way to handle mishaps. ; ) You may as well laugh!
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I have attended the previous two Portraits of White concerts. The 2014 experience was incredible, only to be surpassed by the 2015 concert! Frances is a gifted performer, singer, musician, songwriter, storyteller, and dreamer, which she creatively weaves into her Portraits of White concerts! No two concerts are alike and one looks forward to the next concert with great anticipation as to what Frances has up her sleeve! Second to the West Shore Drum Line accompanying Frances on her performance of “Little Drummer Boy”, WOW, the greatest moment of the Portraits of White 2015 concert for me, came when Frances was faced with technical glitches, which lasted for a considerable amount of time. She turned the moment into the most moving experience of the night, as she led the audience in the singing of Silent Night! It was awesome! Frances surrounds herself with talented musicians and singers, who enhance the experience. Portraits of White is a truely magical evening and you will walk away in awe and wonder and delight!
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Thank you, Diana! Nice to have you on board for 2 years in a row!
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This was my first Portraits of White concert but it won’t be my last. I flew from Houston, TX thinking that I would be hearing Frances playing the piano and singing. I never expected a full orchestra and 6 back up singers. I was blown away by every minute of the evening and have already bought my tickets for this year’s concert. Wish I could bring everyone I know; this magical evening made my Christmas.
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Carole Lewis, it was truly a privilege to have you here in PA with us for Portraits of White! I am still blown away that you would come all the way from Texas to see this concert. This year promises to be even more spectacular. Go ahead, bring the whole State of TX if you like!
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I love Christmas music and if I could only go to one concert a year, I would go to this one. It is that amazing. So leave the horses at home and come on out and enjoy an imaginary sleigh ride with Frances. You will love it.
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Thanks for the endorsement, Maynard! I hope you’ll keep choosing Portraits of White as THE concert to attend each Christmas.
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Frances is so comfortable on stage. She brings a feeling of intimacy to a large audience. If you were the only one in attendance she would still give you an evening you would never forget.
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Thanks Bonnie. I love audiences!! Glad to know you were made to feel at home.
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This was my first Portraits of White concert. It was such a beautiful performance by Frances and her orchestra. It was so much more than I ever imagined. I plan on coming to the 2016 concert.
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Hi Jan, I eagerly welcome you back to the 2016 concert. Another great evening is being planned.
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Portraits of White 2015 concert was THE best professional, inspiring and moving concert we have attended EVER. We were spellbound for over 2 hours! We can’t wait for 2016. Frances’ professionalism and stage presence, even when technical problems threatened to altar the show, she could not have been more present to her audience, addressing the difficulty while ad libbing with her humorous comments to keep thing moving. We enjoyed EVERY minute of her entertainment and the background stories accompanying each song which she had written. DON’T MISS THIS CONCERT!!
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Wow – thank you Lynne. It was an honor to have you there. Thanks for the great recommendation. We are working to make this year even more amazing.
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A sumptuous experience of Christmas music! From the moment Frances takes to the stage, to the very end of the evening, I feel carried along by everything that happens. The rapport between the audience and Frances along with her musicians is palpable… we experience the fact that Frances, our gracious host of the evening, can weave it all together and deliver a most magical evening. I have often felt like I go into Christmas with my heels dug in – thinking, no I don’t want to do it all again this year! For two years in a row, this evening of music and story, laughter and tears, has been the hinge – it opens the door of my heart and in comes wonder, mystery, and joy.
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Hi Aspen,
Thank you for such a beautifully expressed review of the evening. I think we all have a part of us that “digs our heels in” when it comes to the holidays, for various reasons. My desire for this concert has been to make it an evening that takes people away, even if just for a moment, and gives them something to look forward to. It sounds like it’s working. You are welcome to come back any time!
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I have attended portraits of white for the last 2 years, and have shared her talents and gifts with my friends to be in awe, as she brings her life and stories through the songs that only she can tell. Will definitely be there for the next portraits of white. Being raised in Newville and knowing Francis personally and having the privilege to play the drums with her on our worship team it’s such an honor to know this lady. Each time i hear her perform , i shed a little tear of joy n so proud of her achievement as she truly is a women of God. Now being a drummer and when I heard the beating of drums coming down the Isle was a WOW moment for me. I can’t wait to see what she has to match that. So I’m going ,hope you will too.
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Hey Doug,
So proud to know you too! I appreciate your thoughts and open sharing of what happens in your heart when you come and I’m absolutely delighted that you have attended BOTH years and plan to come this year. We’re working hard to make this year an evening you won’t forget.
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I heartily agree with all the previous comments! It’s such a joy to see Frances’ dream come true. She truly has put God first in all her planning and He has fulfilled the desire of her heart. Her concerts are delightful and inspiring and as my husband says, “She deserves a bigger stage.” I’m a musician and so I really revel in things done well musically, and believe me, Frances does things with excellence. It’s not just a concert; it’s quite the professional production. Reminds me of The American Music Theatre in Lancaster, though her stage isn’t quite as big, YET! It is hard to say what my favorite moment was at this last concert. But what stands out in my mind as everyone has stated is the Little Drummer Boy and also how wonderfully she connected with the audience when the technical difficulties made their debut. Oh, and I always love her rendition of “Joy To The World” played with piano and full orchestra. I guess that’s because I am a pianist. But I also love the more pensive songs that she does like “What If.” Keep them coming, Frances! I highly recommend this concert! I know you won’t be disappointed!
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Thank you Nancy! “Joy To The World” and “What If” are certainly 2 of my favorites also. Yes – the drummers on Little Drummer Boy were amazing and were definitely a special part of the evening. Thanks for your kind comments!
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I have attended all of the Portraits of White concerts. It amazes me because each one was better then the one before. It was a wonderful evening of enjoyment in entertainment BUT even more an evening to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas and to worship the Lord. Frances does a great job even when things appear to be going off track. Sometimes one can’t be sure if it is really a problem or part of the planned program. I have my tickets for this year’s concert. I don’t want to miss it.
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Hi Sharon,
I’m so excited to hear that you are coming again this year. I love surprising the audience and offering an evening of entertainment and inspiration. People like you make it easy to put on a concert like this. See you on December 10!
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Inspiring. Gifted. Faithfull. Authentic. Heartfelt. Servants Heart. Creative. Loves God. Beautiful. Sincere. Talented. Honorable. Have to experience! Can’t wait! Don’t miss!!
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Love it! Thanks Nick!
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Portraits of White (2014 and 2015) have been outstanding concerts for me to attend. I have told people that it is the highlight of the Christmas season for me – an evening of inspiration, humor and fun, and worship. Frances is an incredible musician – as songwriter, singer and pianist; and she is a fantastic storyteller. I’ve never seen anyone display such poise and grace as she did during the 2015 concert, when several technical glitches came her way. Not many performers would be able to keep going with the charm that she displayed. I appreciate her enthusiasm, her sparkle, her showmanship and her genuineness. An amazing individual who provides a spectacular performance!
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Word of mouth is the best advertising and it sounds like you are doing a great job of it, Cheryl. I appreciate that you took time to comment and share your recommendation here. Thank you!
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I am so happy to give my “2 cents” about the Portraits of White concert of 2015. It was a memorable evening and one that I won’t forget. It’s very hard to say what was my VERY FAVORITE part since I loved everything.
There were three moments that stood out, one was when Frances sang Silent Night, it was so beautiful. There was a moment of silence while she was performing that song and the guitar player started playing the song “Silent Night” and it was a beautiful time, between the two of them they did a fabulous job.
Another memorable moment was when she sang “O Holy Night” and with the musicians it couldn’t have been done more beautifully. Frances’ choice of musicians is fabulous they are professional and do a beautiful job. The MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT was when Frances started singing “The Drummer Boy” and all of a sudden we saw a Drum Line at different sides of the concert hall it was breathtaking– so beautiful. It’s a moment those High School students won’t ever forget and neither will the audience. The Drum Line was made up of High School students and it was so nice of Frances to select them for the performance and give them a great musical experience. I personally can’t wait to see the 2016 concert.
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