Mason looks forward to the holiday season for many reasons. Among those reasons is when he’s busy with the Mason Dixon Christmas Wish Fund. Also, that’s when Tran-Siberian Orchestra comes to down with their amazing show.
When we first played “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo”, Trans-Siberian Orchestra was still the rock band Savatage. The album that featured the song originally was a rock opera that told a love story between two characters during the Bosnian War. Savatage sent us the record, and we played “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” on “Make it or Break it.” It was no surprise how well the song did that evening. The following morning, Mason’s phones were filled with requests for it.
Being the first to play the song, the band has never forgotten. There’s been a strong bond between Mason and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. One of Mason’s daughters is also a musician and has played on one of TSO’s albums. They even bring Mason on stage each time they perform in Tampa. In fact, they’ve supported the Mason Dixon Christmas Wish Fun, including donating a dollar from each ticket sold when they appear in Tampa.
This year, Trans-Siberian Orchestra is enjoying their 25th anniversary of the release of their first album, Christmas Eve and Other Stories. “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” was again released on the album as well. They’ll be at Amalie Arena on December 19, 2021, for two shows: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Hear more about Trans-Siberian Orchestra coming to Tampa Bay (:45) on the Experience Tampa Bay in 10 Minutes or Less podcast. Explore the immersive art installations at Fairgrounds St. Pete (3:21) and hear about Luv Child in SOHO (6:14).
Produced by Micaela Figueroa
Photo Courtesy of Mason Dixon