LifeLabNotes

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.

Today's episode is a beautiful personal story written by Rikki Schwartz, and performed by Jenny Flack. It's about crossing the lines that make us different, and making a difference in someone's life.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.

There is, perhaps, no time of year more laden with traditions, legends, and folklore than this. So Christmastime is perfect to retell the tale of Saint Pubbins. Written by Chris Warren Gilbert and performed by Keith Ferguson, today's episode will both educate and amuse.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.

If you've ever tried to settle contentedly into a seasonal job, this episode is for you. "Macy's" was written by Gale Brennan Jackson, and read by Silvie Zamora. Theme music by Scott Passarella and Gary Grantham.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.

A celebration by any other date would be just as profound.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.

For some, the only time family gets together is during the holidays. But which holidays? Andy Crocker and Jen Bascom wrote the delightful parody lyrics to this tune about siblings and how easy it can be to get along.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.

It can be tricky to find that healthy balance between gifts for well-deserving family and friends, and the consumerism that can stifle the real meaning of the holidays. One family figured it out. "Brought To You By," written by Silvie Zamora, performed by Abel Arias, Brett Bayonne, Robyn Roth, and Denny Siegel. Gary Grantham and Scott Passarella provide the intro and outro music.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.

Like a mini-culture of its own, every family has its traditions, for every day and for special days. The Weinholds are no different. Well, somewhat different: the geese, the feathers, the Barbies. Brendan Weinhold wrote today's personal story. It was performed by Keith Ferguson.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.

Today's flashback episode takes us to Norway! "Norwegian Christmas" is a story of the personal Christmases of actor/improvisor/writer Jennifer Flack. Written and performed by Jenny, with intro and outro music by Gary Grantham and Scott Passarella. This one may not make you hungry, but it will make you want to hug your loved ones.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.

If you're Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time, but you wouldn't mind spicing up your Silent Night, you need a brand new holiday vaudeville tune! Schlep over to our website to read about the actor/improvisor/comedian/writer Denny Siegel, who created this original music. Performed by Denny Siegel and Brett Bayonne, with Scott Passarella and Gary Grantham on piano and percussion.

Thanks for listening!

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.

Today's episode is Lauren Pritchard's personal story, written by Lauren, read by Silvie Zamora.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved. There are pictures and bios. Fun!