For many unfortunate souls, the mere mention of Christmas music dredges up painful memories of forced caroling in sub-zero temperatures, the maddeningly repetitive jangling of jingle bells, and a drunken uncle slurring along to Bing Crosby between sips of scotch. Such associations are enough to put one off of Christmas music for a lifetime - which would be a shame considering the rich diversity of Yuletide tunes. To prove my point while proposing a cure for Christmas music revulsion, I would suggest checking out some of the talented performers bringing their unique Christmas presentations to the Twin Cities.
Hennepin Theatre Trust, the non-profit organization operating the historic State, Orpheum, and Pantages Theatres in downtown Minneapolis is presenting a series of concerts featuring such singular talents as Linda Eder, The Blenders, Lorie Linne and Her Pop Chamber Opera, John Trones, Harry Connick, Jr., and Mannheim Steamroller. Each act promises a memorable showcase of refreshingly interpreted Christmas music.
The following details are provided by Hennepin Theatre Trust:
Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
State Theatre
Tickets: $42-52
Vocal icon Linda Eder is coming Home for the Holidays! Join Linda as she sings holiday favorites, her classics, and tracks from her newly-released CD, "The Other Side of Me". Her new songs show that Linda’s musical style has recently shifted towards contemporary rock. Reverting back to her country roots, Linda’s new tracks offer a looser, more intimate country-pop sound that truly comes from her heart.
Dec. 4-7, 2008
Pantages Theatre
Tickets: $35
The perennially popular Emmy Award-winning vocal quartet The Blenders return to the Pantages Theatre with their “Holiday Soul Tour 2008,” featuring their own style of classical, choral and a cappella music with jazz, doo wop, pop, rock and soul tunes. The a cappella-based harmony group originally from Fargo has toured with musical superstars including Chicago and The Righteous Brothers and appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CNN and National Public Radio. Their harmony-packed and hilarious holiday shows in the Midwest have become a family tradition with rousing performances of beautifully arranged carols and hymns, tricked out holiday standards and their own enduring Christmas songs that sound like classics.
Dec. 6-13, 2008
State Theatre
Tickets: $44-52
Join Lorie Line and her Pop Chamber Orchestra for this year’s all new Holiday Extravaganza, “Christmas around the World.” This year’s show will be filled with Christmas traditions, costumes, special guests and beautiful music as celebrated in faraway lands. Lorie will take you on a trip around the world, in celebration of the birth of our King. There will be a special stop in your travels to visit Santa at the North Pole and kids (ages 4 and up) will be invited to join Lorie on the stage. Come and celebrate the beautiful sounds of the season with Lorie Line.
Monday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Pantages Theatre
Tickets: $34
International recording artist, crooner and Minnesota favorite John Trones returns to celebrate the 6th smash year of his world-class and uniquely Minnesotan holiday show at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis! Christmas in the City has become one of the Twin Cities most popular holiday traditions as Trones combines his award-winning vocals with the incredible talents of his crowd-favorite special guests. This year singer/songwriter Joanna Jahn returns along newcomer Broadway’s Jen Burleigh-Bentz and a very special surprise return guest!
Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 07:30 p.m.
Orpheum Theatre
Tickets: $40 - $75
Harry Connick, Jr. returns to the Twin Cities to celebrate the holidays with seasonal favorites and new songs from “What a Night! – A Christmas Album”, due in stores and online November 4th. Connick, with the support of his stellar band, is one of the few contemporary artists who have created his own holiday traditions. Beginning with “When My Heart Finds Christmas,” his triple-platinum seasonal album of 1993, through “Harry for the Holidays,” his chart-topping sequel from 2003, he has brought vitality, sincerity and unmatched musicality to the celebration. “What a Night! – A Christmas Album” was created in the same spirit, with new takes on old favorites as well as four of Connick’s own compositions. Don’t miss Harry Connick, Jr. and His Big Band performing the songs of the holiday season in the intimate setting of the Orpheum Theatre.
Friday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 20 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Orpheum Theatre
Tickets: $43–63
To enhance the Christmas spirit, experience the tradition of Mannheim Steamroller as the Christmas tour rolls into the Orpheum Theatre. Started by former adman Chip Davis, Mannheim Steamroller's signature sound is where classical and modern-day rock, acoustic and electronic music meet. Celebrate the spirit of the season with the "18th century rock band" that has become one of the most popular and best-selling acts in the last 30 years.
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