Behind The Mic envisions filming the Worldwide Christmas Special in Minnesota in the fall of 2025 for a December nationally televised broadcast with global distribution. The special will feature a celebrity emcee, Grammy-winning co-hosts, and nine international vocal ensembles.
Our mission of “fostering global harmony through vocal harmony” broadens the scope of entertainment and music education, emphasizing a collaboration of diverse artists in our global community.
Alvin Chea (Take 6) and Rosana Eckert (vocal
educator at the University of North Texas) has filmed endorsements of the holiday special and will co-host the production once financing is secured.
COVID pushed back the holiday project to 2025.
Our Global Artists
Over the past decade, we’ve filmed interviews with extraordinary vocal groups on Behind The Mic. The music video clips include artists we are considering for the 2025 Worldwide Christmas Special.
Storytelling
& Music
We have envisioned combining music with storytelling as an introduction to each vocal ensemble. Our co-hosts would join in brief conversations with two Sesame Street characters, discussing the values of peace, patience, goodness, kindness, humility, and love in segments that segue into performances of each vocal group.
Title Sponsorship
Title sponsorship provides crucial financial backing for the production, including hiring talent, licensing, securing filming locations, purchasing equipment, and ensuring the highest possible production values.
Because the 2025 Worldwide Christmas Special will be nationally televised and distributed to the countries of the participating artists, the title sponsor will receive global brand exposure throughout the holiday season. This exposure will enhance brand visibility among the nationally televised audience, increasing brand recognition and customer engagement.
“While we realize the corporate rationale to become the title sponsor of a holiday event is clear—encompassing Brand Alignment, Customer Engagement, Marketing and Visibility, Social Responsibility, Seasonal Promotions, and ROI—there’s a deeper layer to consider. In the cacophony of today’s society, we must seize the opportunity to pause, listen, and reflect.
Beyond the metrics and business success, the sponsorship fosters a sense of community, promotes values of kindness and generosity, and creates lasting memories that resonate throughout the spirit of the season. It’s more than just business; it’s about making a meaningful impact on people’s lives and contributing to a more connected and compassionate world.”
Audience Data, AI, Analytics
It is noteworthy that Governor Walz recently signed Minnesota’s film and tax credit. According to a YouGov survey, 65% of Americans say they tune in to holiday programming. Such support bolsters the state's economy, amplifies voices from diverse backgrounds, and provides a way for music and storytelling to take a global stage.
Because the production will also be distributed to the countries of the global artists, we are pitching “title sponsorship” for the holiday special to a sole global corporation.
Following a decade as a choral music educator, Accola transitioned as the artist representative for the Minnesota-based Five By Design. For over 30 years, he booked the quintet in performances with countless big bands and 132 symphony orchestras across North America.
Notable engagements included appearances with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, a 2012 holiday tour with the Boston Pops, and collaborations with major orchestras in Milwaukee, Detroit, Toronto, Ottawa, Baltimore, Rochester, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Nashville, Naples, New Orleans, Houston, Kansas City, Saint Louis, Denver, Phoenix, Spokane, Vancouver, Edmonton, San Diego, Winnipeg, Windsor, and Calgary.
As the founder and artist liaison of Behind The Mic, Accola has conducted educational interviews with over 100 artists, educators, and music industry specialists. Notable among these are Bobby McFerrin, The Hi-Lo’s (Clark Burroughs and Don Shelton), Rod Henley of The Four Freshmen, The Lettermen, The Manhattan Transfer, Ben Folds, Home Free, Alvin Chea of the 10-time Grammy-winning TAKE 6, and vocal groups from around world.