Local musician and entertainer David Vogel recently completed two projects, a Web site for his music and a holiday album titled ?Christmas at Home.?
Vogel, a 20-year-old Hillsboro native and columnist for the Free Press, is a vocalist who has performed at many area churches and events, and is known as a ?singing waiter? at Country Lakes Cafe in Marion.
He also has participated in local musical theater productions, most recently playing the role of Adam/Noah in Tabor College?s ?Children of Eden? in October.
A sophomore at Tabor, Vogel is studying English and communications, but he enjoys participating in music and hopes to continue pursuing that field.
?I?ve always loved performing,? Vogel said. ?For me it?s about connecting with the audience, sharing a gift and seeing them smile. Now it is my hope that I?ll be taking it up one more step in professionalism.?
The result of this desire is a new Web site, which Vogel launched this month.
Vogel designed the site, davidbvogel.com, to provide information about upcoming events, as well as other aspects of his music.
?I enjoy dabbling in graphics and Web design,? Vogel said. ?I?ve done some sites for area businesses, so it was fun to put my own site together.?
The Web site includes a calendar, photographs of past performances and theatrical roles, a brief biography and complete music resume. The homepage highlights upcoming events.
?Adding video clips is next on my list of things to do,? Vogel said.
Visitors to the site will also have access to order Vogel?s recordings online, including his new album ?Christmas at Home,? which was completed in October.
Vogel has recorded one previous album: ?Under My Skin? (2007).
?I sold quite a few of those CDs at Country Lakes Cafe,? Vogel said. ?I kept getting comments that I needed to record another one.
?I decided to do a seasonal album, and I finally found time over my fall break this semester to record 14 numbers.?
Vogel describes the result as ?easy-listening Christmas.? The album includes classic Christmas songs in arrangements made popular by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Josh Groban, Michael Buble and others.
?The song selections were inspired by childhood memories I have of Christmas,? Vogel said. ?Many of the songs connect to a specific holiday moment of years past.
?It?s an interesting blend of sacred and secular, orchestral and light jazz, up-beat and soothing.?
?Christmas at Home? is available for purchase at Brenda?s Bloomers & Gifts and Thee Bookstore in Hillsboro, as well as on Vogel?s Web site.
Those interested in hearing Vogel perform these Christmas songs live will have the opportunity Dec. 12, when he will be featured at a ?Dinner and Concert? event hosted by Brenda?s Bloomers & Gifts and The Salad Bowl. Tickets are now on sale for that event.
