Mike and I have attained a level of success in our careers and families, so we decided to seek out projects that enable us to give back something for all
we've been fortunate to receive.

Holiday Express appealed to me immediately. Growing up in the 70's, music has always played a major role in my life, so the opportunity to tell a story about musicians and the impact they can have on others was really a draw.

Furthermore, I discovered in Holiday Express a group of people who had found a way to recapture the real spirit of Christmas. Most adults I know experience Christmas as a once-magical holiday that has come to be dreaded. Here, instead, are people who have found a way to EXTEND the spirit of Christmas, performing soaring holiday classics alongside the silliest rock 'n roll melodies - and spreading joy. They find it effortless to smile, hug, dance, sing and share gifts.

New Jersey is also my home state and I love its diversity. Yet it's a state that isn't really known for its wamth or generosity. So for me, this is a local, human interest story about some of my neighbors - wonderful,generous, giving people. I have seen the lives they've changed. I'm proud to be part of a film that showcases some of the best Jersey has to offer. - Nancy Sabino

When Nancy first invited me to see Holiday Express play at the soup kitchen where she volunteers, I politely brushed her off. We had just completed our tribute to fans of Bruce Springsteen, "Greetings From the Parking Lot," so to hear musicians from the Jersey shore WAS an enticement. But I've been surrounded by not-for-profits for a long time and really didn't believe in their effectiveness - useless efforts in a sea of endless need, and not personally satisfying.

Nancy didn't give up. The next year she bought tickets to see Holiday Express at their annual fundraising dinner dance. I was expecting a small band playing a few tired Christmas tunes. The performance turned out to be a full blown, raucous, rock 'n roll concert, replete with thirty singers and a ten-piece horn section! Who ARE these people?

We went to see another performance, this time at the Meadowlands Arena for their annual Christmas concert. Here was an arena-sized audience but the effect was the same - the music created a vortex that drew us in. We met with founder/director Tim McLoone, and eventually got the go-ahead for the documentary.

This project has evolved into something personal and important because of the connections we've made. The people - some homeless, handicapped and poor - have faces, smiles, stories, much like the rest of us. My own hard edge and fear melted into making eye contact and shaking hands. Rediscovering the true meaning of Christmas encourages me to want to share what I've learned with others. - Mike Sodano