Get Ready for Some Jazz & Joy: A Charlie Brown Christmas Comes to Kansas City!
Hey there, Kansas City! As the holiday season rolls in, our charming town is buzzing with excitement and festive spirit. While we all adore the classic holiday performances like A Christmas Carol from KC Rep and the enchanting Nutcracker put on by the Kansas City Ballet, this year we have something extra special lined up that promises to bring a different kind of cheer to our beloved performing arts scene.
Introducing a New Holiday Tradition
That’s right! The talented folks at the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra are set to rekindle our holiday warmth with a jazzy twist on a timeless favorite: A Charlie Brown Christmas. This festive event marks their second annual performance, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Why Jazz & Charlie Brown Go Hand in Hand
Now, you might be wondering, “What makes this event so special?” Well, let’s hear it from the man himself, Clint Ashlock, the artistic director of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. Ashlock expresses his enthusiasm, saying, “For me as a musician, the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas is just awesome! I’m diving into the way Vince Guaraldi composed it—there’s a spontaneous feel to it—and they are genuinely great jazz compositions.”
Indeed, Guaraldi’s music has been a classic since the animated special first aired in 1965. The original quirky tunes are perfectly suited for jazz adaptations, and Ashlock has worked tirelessly to reimagine these legendary pieces for an 18-piece big band. Imagine a harmonious blend of strong melodies and captivating hooks, all within the spirit of the festive season!
What to Expect on December 10
The main event is scheduled for December 10, and it promises to be filled with the joyous sounds of the season. Taking place at the beautiful Helzberg Hall in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the concert will also feature the incredibly talented KC singer, Lee Langston. Known for his velvety, soulful voice reminiscent of the great Luther Vandross, Langston is set to enchant the audience throughout the performance.
Feel the Festive Vibes
A lot of joy comes from the memories tied to watching the Peanuts special, and Ashlock understands that connection. He shares, “There are so many fun memories for people who grew up watching the special or now enjoy it with their children.” This concert aims to spread warmth and positivity during a time when we can all use a little extra cheer in our lives!
To make the experience even more delightful, the performance will feature projections from the animated classic. Imagine visuals of skaters gliding gracefully on a frozen pond, synchronized to the tune of “Skating,” and the endearing Peanuts characters dancing joyfully to “Linus and Lucy.” Talk about a nostalgic immersion!
Future Plans
If you’re already getting excited, just wait! Ashlock has plans for the future that include performing alongside a screening of the entire special, much like the practices of some renowned symphonies. “The special is just adorable and endearing and enduring,” he adds, emphasizing how timeless the magical charm of Charlie Brown truly is.
Join the Fun!
So, Kansas City, mark your calendars for December 10 at 7 PM! You won’t want to miss this uplifting celebration of music and nostalgia. Tickets are available, ranging from $28 to $80, so there’s something for everyone! Be sure to grab yours at kcjo.org before they sell out!
Let’s make some new holiday traditions together as we celebrate the beauty of jazz and the heartwarming spirit of A Charlie Brown Christmas!
