Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-11-10
Nonprofit record label 12/23 Records has partnered with Jonathan Russell of The Head and the Heart and Brooklyn songstress Honey Marmalade to release two limited-edition seven-inch Christmas records. Proceeds from both releases will be donated to organizations fighting cancer and providing free cancer screenings to underserved communities.
On his seven-inch single, Russell brings listeners his take on John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band's “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” and the deep-cut Elvis Presley tune “If Every Day Was Like Christmas.” Russell is backed by a group of heavyweight Richmond musicians: DJ Harrison (Butcher Brown) on drums, Corey Wells on guitars, Sam Fribush on keys, and Todd Herrington (Cris Jacobs Band) on bass. Herrington also produced the record.
Additionally, each track features its own unique choir, with a children's choir lending their voices to “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” and an adult ensemble backing “If Every Day Was Like Christmas.” Proceeds from Russell's release will be directed to EVMS at Old Dominion University and Every Woman's Life Richmond.
Honey Marmalade brings an energy-packed holiday EP featuring four rockin' Christmas tunes, including AC/DC's “Mistress for Christmas” and Chuck Berry's “Run Rudolph Run.” She's backed by an ensemble of New York City musicians, including Sarah Elaz (Boojum). Two special guests, Daniel Donato and Al Schnier of moe., also lend their guitar work to a couple of tracks.
Honey Marmalade will celebrate the record's release with a special Holiday Rock show at The Bitter End in New York City on December 5. Proceeds from her release will benefit Rock the Pink and EVMS at ODU.
Both records are limited to just 300 hand-numbered copies, featuring album artwork by illustrator Nate Cepis. Several vinyl color variants will be available for each release, including signed editions.
The records go on sale Tuesday, November 10, at noon Eastern at www.1223Records.com in exchange for a donation. Both releases will also be available digitally in December. Proceeds will help provide free cancer screenings to underserved communities.
12/23 Records is the record-slinging arm of The Nancy Langhorne Foundation, a Virginia- and Brooklyn-based nonprofit that raises money for cancer research and free screenings for underserved individuals. Since 2017, the foundation has raised and donated more than $100,000 through its record releases and annual benefit concert in Norfolk, Virginia.
Beneficiaries have included Eastern Virginia Medical School, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the Medical College of Virginia.
Past releases have included cancer-fighting holiday records from Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini (2023 and 2025), Grahame Lesh (2024), and guitarist DJ Williams (2021 and 2023), as well as Xmas in VA (2024), a compilation featuring 14 Virginia artists performing holiday songs, including Kendall Street Company.
In 2022, the foundation created the limited-edition EP A Little Something for Everyone with James Casey, the late Trey Anastasio Band saxophonist. Casey passed away in 2023 from colon cancer, and a portion of the funds raised by the foundation is donated in his honor.
Through these annual releases, 12/23 Records continues bringing together musicians from across the country to support cancer research, expand access to screenings, and honor those affected by the disease.
Jonathan Russell – Christmas Seven-Inch Single
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”
“If Every Day Was Like Christmas”
Beneficiaries: EVMS at ODU and Every Woman's Life Richmond
Honey Marmalade – Holiday EP
Four holiday tracks featuring guest appearances by Daniel Donato and Al Schnier
Beneficiaries: Rock the Pink and EVMS at ODU
Vinyl Availability: November 10, 2026, at 12 p.m. ET
Digital Release: December 2026
Vinyl: 300 hand-numbered copies of each release, with multiple color variants and signed options
Order the 2026 Charity Holiday Releases
Saturday, December 5, 2026
The Bitter End
New York City, NY
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