Twelve Twenty-Four

“Create a resounding holiday rock orchestra,” that was the 2002 vision of Twelve Twenty-Four co-founders George Houseknecht, Richie Kossuth, Lenny Kucinski, and Jason Santos.  A vision that was not only fulfilled, but one that energetically continues to this day. 

Since its inception, the band has evolved from a five-piece rock band to a complete rock orchestra.  Over the years, Twelve Twenty-Four built upon the core rock band by adding a multi-member string section, several featured vocalists, and a dedicated road crew.  Although they only perform during the holiday season, Twelve Twenty-Four is a year-round project.  Behind-the-scenes production occurs throughout the year and rehearsals begin during the summer.  Their tour season begins after Thanksgiving and continues through the end of the holiday season. 

Inspired by the music and stage presentation of some of music’s greatest rock orchestras, Twelve Twenty-Four presents a show that involves high-energy rock music combined with professional stage effects.  If it appears to be a considerable effort for a month and a half of shows, Music Director Jason Santos said there are good reasons the group tours each year. “The way people come back every year … it’s emotionally charging.  It’s uplifting when people are talking and they say it starts their Christmas off or they’re having a bad day and needed some spiritual uplifting,” Santos said. 

During their 2009 Holiday Tour, Twelve Twenty-Four performed their own arrangement of the classic Christmas song, “Little Drummer Boy,” which was received with overwhelming enthusiasm by concert attendees.  Based on the reception of “Little Drummer Boy,” Twelve Twenty-Four decided to record a CD of their own holiday music arrangements.  According to guitarist Lenny Kucinski, “We weren’t even considering doing something like that.  Then we started realizing we’ve got some songs building up within us and some people just had to let them out.”