By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Considered the “standout male jazz vocalist of our time” by The New York Times, Kurt Elling will be spreading some holiday cheer Dec. 6 as he performs in the virtual Christmas in Chicago virtual concert.
“When we were given this opportunity to present this virtual holiday event with Kurt Elling from Chicago, there was no question we wanted in,” said St. Cecilia Music Center Executive and Artistic Director Cathy Holbrook. “Kurt was the first artist we presented on our jazz series 13 years ago and has since returned as a fan favorite. We are so happy to bring him into your home to start your holiday celebration!”
The Grammy Award winning artist will perform live (with no audience) at 4 p.m. from the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in Chicago. The performance also will feature gospel singer Lizz Wright.
In his 2016 recording of Christmas music, “The Beautiful Day: Kurt Elling Sings Christmas,” Elling reimagined the sounds of Christmas, mixing traditional carols with new arrangements creating songs the were rediscovered treats. He wrapped the universal themes of hope, light, wonder, mystery, and goodwill in musical packages full of delightful surprises.
“I knew I didn’t want to make a ‘religious’ record, just as I knew I didn’t want to make a standard, swingin’ jazzy Christmas,” Elling said of the album. “I’m trying to expand my consciousness and embrace the goodness of the season, and I want to include everybody.
“For me, Christmas is a time of consideration, of pondering mysteries.”
Tickets for the virtual concert are $40 and allow for 48 hours of on-demand viewing. A portion oof the ticket sale will support St. Cecilia Music Center.
Remaining Virtual Series’ concerts by SCMC include the Bob James concert on Dec. 17 and a special concert by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center on Dec. 3 featuring Anne-Marie McDermott and other CMS artists. For more about these December FREE virtual concerts offered by SCMC for home viewing, see scmc-online.org/virtual/.
