Whether local or national acts, there’s a bounty of talent willing to serenade you this holiday season.
Photo by Andrew Eccles
Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas
Photo by Andrew Eccles
After four years running, The Joy of Christmas has received widespread critical acclaim for its state-of-the-art production. This holiday show is complete with dazzling sets, brilliant lights and a theatrical experience that changes environments from song to song. As a four-time CMA female vocalist of the year, Martina McBride is sure to put the joy in your holiday this Christmas. Dec. 10. Tickets: $40.75, $50.75. Xcel Energy Center, 199 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, 651-989-5151, www.ticketmaster.com
The Blenders: Holiday Soul Tour
Christmas just isn’t the same without the a cappella harmonies of The Blenders. The foursome has made Minneapolis home since 1994 and have been singing together as a group for 15 years. The show includes carols and hymns from their new CD Songs from the Soul. Dec. 8-10. Tickets: $31. Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 651-989-5151, www.hennepintheatredistrict.org
John Trones: Christmas in the City
Spend a holiday night out in Minneapolis with Minnesota native John Trones. His new holiday concert will feature Grammy-nominated artist Jim Brickman, Twin Cities pianist Jimmy Martin, Church Basement Ladies composer and lyricist Drew Jansen and Debbie Does Dallas, The Musical star Joanna Jahn. Dec. 3. Tickets: $31. Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 651-989-5151, www.hennepintheatredistrict.org
The Steeles
Minneapolis’ own family gospel group is ready to share their holiday spirit with this highly anticipated acoustic Christmas special. While the soulful siblings boast many individual successes, they come together once again for their annual holiday concert that’s been selling out for more than a decade. Dec. 21-22. Tickets: $25-35. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange Street, St. Paul, 651-290-1200, www.fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org
Katie McMahon’s Celtic Christmas
A Christmas show complete with a band, singers and dancers! McMahon has been performing this holiday tradition for the past five years. Join the crew as they take you along on a musical journey to Ireland with traditional Irish carols, dancing and stories galore. Dec. 9. Tickets: $24. The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, 651-690-6700.
VocalEssence Welcome Christmas
Originally commissioned by VocalEssence in 1992, Conrad Susa’s beloved Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest will be reprised by the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers with harp, guitar and marimba. Setting familiar Spanish language carols from Spain, Mexico and Puerto Rico, Susa’s compilation is an audience favorite. Dec. 3, 7, 9 & 10. Locations vary. Tickets: $23-38. Call 612-624-2345 or order online at www.vocalessense.org
Christmas with the Valley Chamber Chorale
A Stillwater tradition filled with surprises; friends and family gather to experience the sights and sounds of the season. From across the centuries and crossing many cultures, they’ll sing in the season. Musical highlights include “Chanticleer,” newly composed for the VCC by composer Aaron David Miller, Sara Grudem on harp and Casey Kovacic with her flute. Dec. 8-10. Tickets: $35 Adults, $30 Students/Seniors. Ccall the box office at 651-430-0124 or order online at www.valleychamberchorale.org. Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 West Pine Street, Stillwater, 651-275-7075.
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, Our Gay Apparel
Wondering what to wear this holiday season? Come to Our Gay Apparel where you can garb yourself with all the joy and wonderment of Yuletide, wearing whatever attire inspires the child within you to celebrate! Dec. 8-10. Tickets: $19-34. Call the box office at 612-624-2345. Tedd Mann Concert Hall, 2128 Fourth St. S., Minneapolis, 612-624-2345. www.tcgmc.org
The Minnesota Opera’s Project Opera Concert
Project Opera, The Minnesota Opera’s co-ed youth opera training program, will be performing December 17th at Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park. This free concert will include Benjamin Britten’s moving A Ceremony of Carols along with other season selections. Both Ragazzi (grades 4-7) and Giovani (grades 8-12) ensembles will join forces for these exciting concerts. Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, 612-333-2700, www.mnopera.org
