Although hors d’oeuvres and wine go a long way toward entertaining guests, it just isn’t a party without music.

The musical line-up for this year’s Preview Reception features well-know local songwriter Jeff Brisbin, pianist Brenda Vrendenburg and the chorale group, Magico*. Their diverse musical backgrounds bring an original sound to the festival’s holiday music.

Jeff Brisbin

Influenced by the Beatles, Brisbin began writing songs and playing guitar as a teenager. But it wasn’t until seven years ago at a Bailey’s open mic night that Brisbin got his stage legs. Since then, Brisbin has done gigs all over the Capital Region, averaging 65 a year, including seven appearances at the Preview Reception.

For Brisbin, his musical passion lies in the songwriting and the performance. “The song is everything. A good band is nothing without a good song,” says Brisbin, “The Beatles wrote their own songs and their words have reached millions because of it.”

“The greatest feeling for me is if my song, my words, relates to the audience. That’s my nirvana.”

Brisbin will release his first CD in December 2007 at bookstores and other retailers throughout the area.

Brenda Vrendenburg

She’s not as famous as Sheryl Crow, but Vrendeburg is still a school district music legend. And if you took orchestra in Saratoga Springs, she just might have been your teacher.

Music and teaching have always played a distinct part in her life. Even early on, a kindergarten teacher recognized that music was Vrendeburg favorite time of the day. And after college, a 32-year career as an orchestra director began with Saratoga Springs schools.

Now, an accomplished pianist and organist, Vrendeburg is currently a supervisor for student teachers in the Capital Region for the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” says Vrendeburg, “It’s wonderful to play the Preview Reception, see friends and students – I’m glad to be a small part of the event.”

Magico*

The vocalist group, Magico*, began singing at the Preview Reception two-years ago. The group came together, as a mélange of performers with various operatic and vocal backgrounds, to perform for corporate and organizational events. Magico* mixes up their performances by singing everything from old-time carols to modern versions of holiday favorites.

Last year the members of Magico* were vocalists Anne Agresta Dugan, Angela Ledtke and Whitney Sperazza, accompanied by pianist Judy Russo.

“We love sharing our gift with others,” says Dugan (Magico* Chairperson), “We understand the power of sharing our talents in a venue like the Festival. It’s fun for us and we look forward to it each year.”

The Saratoga Festival of Tree’s Preview Reception runs from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007 at the Saratoga Springs City Center. For tickets and more information please call 518-587-5000 or visit www.saratogafestivaloftrees.com