Columbia musician makes sitar Christmas album

Cover - Sean's Sitar Christmas vol 2
Sean Thomson 01

Sean Thomson’s sits in his studio with sitar + collection of instruments. Photo via Sean Thomson.

“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

More from COLAtoday
The free May 15–16 festival features Martin Bejerano, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, Endea Owens, and more at Finlay Park.
Columbia-born artist Rodney McMillian debuts a wide-ranging solo exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art this spring.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Spring football gives way to a Darius Rucker–headlined concert and free Garnet & Black block party on Saturday, April 11.
SOCO opens a 9,500-sqft coworking space inside Gather COLA in the BullStreet District.
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
A Mount Pleasant artisan’s massive sweetgrass basket is now on display at the South Carolina State Museum.
Lexington’s Wingard’s Market leads USA TODAY’s Best Plant Nursery vote, and supporters can cast ballots daily through March 9 to keep them at No. 1.
Anchor Investment Management is celebrating 25 years by awarding $25,000 in grants to Midlands nonprofits focused on health and education.