Christmas is about 40 days away and former Eagles center Jason Kelce put together a very Philadelphian tune for all to enjoy.
The 36-year-old is set to release a third successive Christmas album this holiday season titled ‘A Philly Special Christmas Party’ after two previously successful projects.
This time, Kelce teamed up with Philadelphia indie rock band Mt. Joy and the retired football player put a festive spin on the band’s debut single ‘Astrovan’.
Prior to Thursday night’s Washington Commanders-Philadelphia Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field in Pennsylvania, Kelce and the band debuted the song ‘Santa Drives an Astro Van’ in front of a crowd of fans.
The concert took place outside the stadium as the former player and the band decided to kick off the holiday season a little early.
After Mt. Joy lead singer Matt Quinn sang the first verse of the song – while dressed up in red and white – Kelce took the mic and belted out a gravely second verse.
Jason Kelce performed a new song off his upcoming Christmas album before an Eagles game
He was joined by Philadelphia band Mt. Joy singing a festive version of their song ‘Astrovan’
Kelce has released Christmas albums the past two seasons with his group ‘The Philly Specials’ consisting of fellow Eagles offensive linemen Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
Their first album, ‘A Philly Special Christmas’, consisted of seven Christmas classis and sold thousands of copies after its December 23, 2022 release.
The next year, the trio teamed up again for their sophomore effort, ‘A Philly Special Christmas Special’, which was eleven songs long and featured multiple special guests.
Featured artists on that project included singer-songwriter Amos Lee, R&B star Patti LaBelle, and indie artist Waxahatchee.
Also joining Kelce on the album was Eagles general manager Howie Roseman for a Hanukkah song ‘The Dreidel Song’.
Even his brother Travis Kelce joined in on the fun with a cover of The Pogues’ ‘Fairytale of New York’, but given a Pennsylvania twist and titled ‘Fairytale of Philadelphia’.
For the upcoming album, ‘A Philly Special Christmas Party’ is being branded as ‘the third and final record in the Philly Special Christmas trilogy’ and is set for a November 22 release.
This will be the largest album of the three – with 12 songs being released on clear vinyl.
In addition to Mt. Joy, a number of Philadelphia music acts will have their imprint on the record.
That includes R&B supergroup Boyz II Men, soul singer Devon Gilfillian, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, rap group The Roots, and rock bands Dr. Dog, mewithoutYou, and The War on Drugs.
But the biggest inclusion in the track list might be former Fleetwood Mac frontwoman Stevie Nicks.
The ‘Rhiannon’ legend joined Jason in the recording booth to throw down a rendition of ‘Maybe This Christmas’ – the behind-the-scenes of which was released in a post on the social media accounts for the Kelce’s ‘New Heights’ podcast.
All profits made from the release of the album will be donated to Philadelphia area charities, according to the group’s website.
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