By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
It was Christmastime two years ago when Brian Boos shed his shyness and self-restraint to belt out Christmas songs to raise money for local children.
This year, Boos and Chas McDonald, both assistant prosecuting attorneys with the Wood County Prosecutor’s Office, are making a comeback for the same cause. The pair made bold comparisons of themselves to duos like Simon and Garfunkel, Hall and Oates, and Milli Vanilli.
Only this time around they are inviting the community to join their voices to make “Brian Sings Christmas Part Two: Duets” bigger and better.
“After extensive touring and soul-searching, Brian decided that once again, it is time to sing Christmas,” McDonald wrote in an email urging others to join the seasonal serenade.
The organizers have no illusions of this taping bearing any musical similarities to the Band Aid concert in Africa in 1984. But it is hoped to raise awareness and funding for less fortunate local children.
Anyone is invited to join the “Brian Sings Christmas Community Choir” in the Wood County Courthouse Atrium on Aug. 5, at 4:30 p.m. The group will join voices to sing “Joy to the World.”
“Auditions are not required,” McDonald noted. “You can’t be worse than Brian.”
The goal is to raise as much money as possible for families in need this Christmas season. Like last time, 100% of the proceeds will go to presents and essentials for underprivileged Wood County families recommended by Wood County Jobs and Family Services.
This year the suggested donation is $7.50. Venmo is open early to accept donations.
The caroling phenom, was discovered many Christmas seasons ago during his relentless singing of holiday songs in the Wood County Prosecutor’s Office. Boos, not to be confused with Bing Crosby or Burl Ives, made up for his lack of singing abilities with his vast enthusiasm.
Boos admitted that he starts playing holiday tunes before the traditionally acceptable post-Thanksgiving season.
“My co-workers may think it’s too soon,” he said.
Though a big sap for Christmas carols, Boos declined the opportunity to go public until late in 2023, when McDonald suggested they use the recording to raise money for local kids in need.
“I couldn’t get Brian to sing until I added the charity component,” McDonald said.
The result was a recording called “Brian Sings Christmas.” The pair recorded five Christmas carols using McDonald’s home studio equipment. The songs were chosen to “show off the pipes,” Boos said.
While Boos was a novice, McDonald is a trained keyboard musician, starting piano lessons in first grade.
The pair didn’t have high expectations for “Brian Sings Christmas.” They hoped to raise about $100 in their office for kids served by Wood County Job and Family Services. The duo ended up raising $1,410.
“I thought maybe my mom would listen,” Boos confided. “If you ignore the singing, the music is actually good.”
“It was done earnestly,” McDonald echoed. “Though we’ve had some people who think otherwise.”
One attorney in their office jokingly gave the recording a harsh review. “He said it caused his paralegal to quit,” Boos said.
