Dave Koz and Friends Smooth Jazz Christmas

I went to my first Dave Koz and Friends Christmas show in 1998 in Atlanta.  Since then, I’ve missed, maybe, two or three years.  It has become a part of my Christmas celebration.  Since the Newport News show is early in the tour, it often actually kick-starts my Christmas mood.  I’ve never been disappointed.  The “Friends” change from year to year, but it’s always a good mix and and a great time.

This year’s show consists of Oleta Adams (a ‘new friend’), Keiko Matsui and Jonathan Butler, and also features Randy Jacobs (guitar and musical director), Nathaniel Kearney, Jr. (bass), Jay Williams (drums), Tracy Carter (keyboards), and Aaron Weinstein (violin).  There were lots of Christmas favorites, a little Hanukkah celebration, a few of the artist’s popular non-holiday tunes ranging from Beethoven and Chopin to “O Holy Night” (Butler’s a big crowd favorite that earned a big standing ovation) to “Get There” to Eight Candles.  Jazz violinist, Aaron Weinstein – also new to the show – add both humor and some amazing music to the show.

The show is a well-oiled machine complete with snow making machines and lots of visuals.

It’s not too late for some of you to make the show!  Give yourself a holiday treat!