By Melissa Coleman
Top of the Southern Downs Christmas charts this year is SDRC Mayor Vic Pennisi’s original take on Elvis Presley’s hit song Return to Sender.
The Mayor is also a singer-songwriter whose on his way to becoming an influencer with over 2500 views since the Christmas Message 2022 released last week.
Mayor Pennisi says it’s fun to write the lyrics to mean something because, in the end, it’s not about how good the song is, it’s the Christmas message that’s important.
“And being able to have everyone enjoy a laugh, including me,” he said.
Over the last few years, he has performed his own rendition of Johnny Cash’s hit Folsom Prison as a Christmas message to the residents of the Southern Downs and the festive tune Feliz Navidad.
While the Christmas Message 2022 video was filmed at one location, the previous year was produced at several locations.
“It takes days to produce the Christmas message,” Mayor Pennisi said, “In 2021, we had to tee up the reindeer and feed them on location at the Christmas Farm in Stanthorpe and make sure we produced enough content on that day when the deer were actually there; it took a whole day.”
“We also filmed the kids unwrapping presents under the tree.”
The process is quite demanding, but in the spirit of Christmas, Mayor Pennisi wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Once I’ve written the lyrics, I perform the song.”
Next, music is added and aligned with the words of the new Christmas rendition by the Mayor, and then shooting the film commences.
Acquiring a costume can be difficult however after much sourcing for the perfect Elvis attire this year, the Mayor said he found one at a costume shop that was closing down.
“The costumes help draw the audience in to watch the video,” he said.
“Christmas is a time of giving, sharing, love and being able to spend time together.”
“One day, years from now, my kids will be sitting around a campfire with their kids, and they’re probably watching these videos, and it will bring another element to their Christmases.”
“It’s a pleasure to present my Christmas video, and I sincerely hope that everyone finds enjoyment in it as much as I enjoyed producing it.
“I hope you all have a happy and holy Christmas season and a prosperous 2023,” Mayor Pennisi said.
Before the Mayor left this interview, he gave a hint about the 2023 Christmas message which is already under production.
“The hint I can give you is – Bagpipes.”
