“What’s something no one has asked for? More sitar in Christmas music.” — Sean Thomson

Columbia-native, Sean Thomson’s fascination with odd instruments + fixing them up led to his recording of a one-of-a-kind Christmas album.

The sitar — a stringed instrument of the lute family that is popular in northern India — sat in the corner of his living room for years before he decided to refurbish the vintage possession. After replacing strings, tuning pegs, filing frets, and hours of tuning, he felt a bond with the instrument. The former living room decoration was primed to create its first holiday album, Sitar Christmas.

When the album received a warm reception last year, he decided to not only record a second volume of the quirky novelty album, but present it live as well.

Both albums feature traditional holiday music, ranging from “Deck the Halls” and “Silent Night” to “I Have a Little Dreidel” and “Auld Lang Syne.”

What: Sitar Christmas Live

When: Dec. 22 6-7 p.m.

Where: Curiosity Coffee Bar’s Outdoor Holiday Market

Looking for more holiday music to fill your home with cheer? Check out our ‘Home for the holidays’ Spotify playlist, featuring a variety of Cola connected artists.

https://open.spotify.com/album/4mB1Epv5b55EflrVwosmBq?si=u9s14l8wSneEOwLBAK3D1g