Look out Frank Sinatra and Mariah Carey - there is a new album this season that is taking Fulton by storm.
Juanita Heider's new Christmas CD, "Prince of Peace," is making waves in the Brick District with its unique sound and original songs, all of which are played on the hammered dulcimer. Looking to capture the spirit of the season, Heider, who lives in Fulton, was inspired to write the album to "point people to Christ" and "remind them what Christmas is all about."
"I think some times we lose the true meaning of Christmas in the chaos of Christmas," Heider said.
Heider also took inspiration from her sister-in-law's battle with cancer.
"She had such a calm peace, her faith really came through," she added.
"Prince of Peace" is not your regular Christmas fare. Unlike other holiday standbys that dominate December, Heider's album is played on the hammered dulcimer. Rather strange looking, this trapezoid-shaped percussion instrument is played by striking 90 steel strings with small wooden hammers. An ancient instrument, dulcimers have been played for hundreds of years in cultures around the world. Heider's husband discovered the instrument first, but it was she who fell in love with its distinctive sound. After purchasing one for herself, she joined a now disbanded dulcimer group meeting at a library in Jefferson City.
"Prince of Peace" is not Heider's first CD. During her 15-year career, she has also released three other albums, all of which feature her signature instrument. This is, however, her first time going solo.
The CD is available exclusively at Re-Made for a Purpose, a local nonprofit second-hand store that employs disabled adults. Friend and co-founder Barbara Reid attends the Fulton First Baptist Church with Heider.
"Juanita played live during our open house," Reid explained, "after which there was a lot of interest."
If you are interested in picking up a copy, they are available at Re-Made for a Purpose's front counter for $15 each. At this time, Heider has no plans to release any future albums.