“Feel The Love Of Christmas” to be Featured at Cathedral in New Castle, Will Benefit Special Olympics

This will be the final season for a tradition started by the late musician B.E. Taylor, as his son B.C. Taylor conducts the final “Feel The Love Of Christmas” tour.

Taylor will perform on December 14 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle. This year he will be joined by a group of Special Olympics athletes who take to the stage for a song. A tradition loved by the athletes and the audience.

“The athletes look forward to it every year,” said John Maielli, Special Olympics basketball coach and fundraising chairman.

According to Maielli, the tradition began about 15 years ago when B.E. Taylor graciously wanted a way to highlight the athletes.

“B.E. was always so excited about having our athletes involved,” Maielli said.

Every year B.E. would donate a $1 per ticket sold to Special Olympics. This year, Maielli said they did the fundraising a little different getting corporate sponsors and planning a meet and greet fundraiser. He said because of the generosity of businesses like Don Services, The Eric Ryan Corporation, Paul Davis Restoration and Smokin Dave’s BBQ the athletes have great opportunities.

“Our athletes never pay for anything,” Maielli said.

And although he misses B.E. and his gracious and giving spirit, Maielli said the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to his son B.C.

“He is absolutely wonderful,” Maielli said. “Reminds you of his father.”

B.C. Taylor is a Wheeling native who now is based in Nashville, Tenn.

Joining B.C. Taylor on stage, will be Rick Witkowski, Hermie Granati, Jeff Jimerson and Jamie Peck.

This will be the final year for the concert that started in 1995 and was featured in various venues. In that time, the show truly became part of people’s Christmas tradition including the Special Olympics athletes.

“This will be an experience you don’t want to miss, and a night you’ll never forget,” B.C. Taylor posted on his Facebook page regarding the tour. “Come feel the love with us, one last time!”

Christmas shows were a yearly tradition for B.E. Taylor, an Aliquippa native. He was best known for his hit song “Vitamin L.” Over the years, he performed a dozen or more gigs at venues across the region each holiday season for more than 20 years. B.E.  died in 2016 from complications of a brain tumor.

Special Olympics is an organization run completely by volunteers. For more information about how to be a sponsor or volunteer, contact John Maielli at 724-333-5357.