Dave Koz & Friends: A Smooth Jazz Christmas
Hippodrome Theater, Baltimore, MD
November 26th

Well, after 10 years, Dave Koz still has the right combination of friends.  This year for the 10th Anniversary show, Dave brought along Jonathan Butler, Wayman Tisdale, and American Idol alum, Kimberly Locke.  Joining them on stage was Dave’s regular band:  Stevo Theard on drums, Brian Simpson on keys, Bill “Rubberhand Man” Sharpe on bass, and Randy Jacobs on guitar.

The tour began after Thanksgiving and runs right up until Christmas.  Along with the all-time favorites of holiday songs, Dave & Friends always adds something extra to the show.  This year that something was Kimberly Locke, whose vocals just blew us all away.   Jonathan Butler is probably the most spiritual man I have ever been in the presence of.  His delivery of even non-holiday songs, like “No Woman, No Cry” will move the souls of everyone.  And what a treat it was to see Wayman Tisdale back after a battle with cancer.  He wowed the crowd and made everyone realize that miracles can happen, especially with the support and love of people around you.

Jonathan and Kimberly enthralled the crowd with a duet of “O Holy Night,” while Dave celebrated his Jewish roots on “Eight Candles.”  (Thanks, Dave!)  And let’s not forget the non-holiday favorites, too, like “You Make Me Smile,” And Wayman’s “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.”  But the most poignant of moments was at the end, when all four headliners came out, dressed all in white, and sang Kenny Loggin’s “Celebrate Me Home.”  It was more than beautiful.  It was a tearjerker.

After ten years, the show is very polished and well produced.  And, as always, Dave Koz and Friends make the holiday season a little brighter, a little merrier, and lot more musical!

Photos by
Tony Webb

Brian Culbertson’s A Soulful Christmas
The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
November 28th

Brian Culbertson brought his brand of soul to the Birchmere for his A Soulful Christmas tour.  Joining Brian this year are Nick Colionne, Howard Hewitt, and the venerable Gerald Albright.  Each of these talented artists put their distinctive touches on traditional carols we’ve heard all our lives.  The result was funky, jazzy, and highly entertaining.  You think you’ve heard “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells” before, but you’ve never heard it the way these four performed it.   

Howard Hewitt added just the right vocal touch to some perennial holiday favorites, as well as to some of his own music.  He ventured out into the audience several times, to the delight of his many female fans.  “Merry Christmas Baby” was the perfect song to highlight not only Nick Colionne’s talented guitar style, but his vocal abilities as well. He’s right at home playing and singing blues.  (And, all decked out in red, he looked fabulous doing it!)   Don’t let Brian Culbertson fool you.  He’s not all in your face soul and funk all of the time.  One of the highlights of the night was his rendition of “The Christmas Song.”  It was an acoustic solo piece with just Brian and his keyboard, and it was poignant.  Brian can play both ends of the spectrum quite well.  Gerald Albright‘s interpretation of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” put everyone in a jazzy holiday mood.

This is Brian’s second year performing his A Soulful Christmas Tour.  Due to last year’s overwhelming success and demand, it was booked for two nights this year at the Birchmere.  The crowds came out for both shows.  Brian, Gerald, Nick, and Howard made it easier for all of us to get into the holiday spirit with great music and performances all around.   

Peter White Christmas featuring Rick Braun and Mindi Abair
The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
December 3rd

If you want to celebrate your holiday season in the most fun way possible, catch the Peter White Christmas show wherever you can.  This show keeps getting better each year that we see it.  It’s absolutely impossible to NOT have a good time when Peter, along with Rick Braun and Mindi Abair, are having the time of their lives on stage.  It’s just infectious.  Backed by Ron Reinhardt on keys, Rayford Griffen on drums and Nate Phillips on bass, all three of them joined together to deliver classic holiday tunes like “Little Drummer Boy,” “Silent Night,” “White Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, and “O Holy Night.”  In between these, each showcased some of their own hits.  Peter gave us “Promenade” and “Bueno Funk, which had everyone on their feet.”  Rick played “Notorious,” “R&R,” and “Grazin’ in the Grass.”  And Mindi’s hits “Lucy’s” and “Bloom” were met with rousing applause.  The vocals from all three, plus Rayford Griffen and Nate Phillips, really captured the crowd. 

It’s no wonder that this show was booked for two nights at The Birchmere this year.  From start to finish this was nothing but pure fun!  The music was wonderful, the crowd was crazy, and Peter, Rick, and Mindi were having a blast right along with us!  This was a terrific show to end the smooth jazz holiday season for us.  Put us right in the mood!

To  Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Wayman Tisdale, Kimberly Locke, Brian Culbertson, Nick Colionne, Gerald Albright, Howard Hewitt, Peter White, Rick Braun, and Mindi Abair – a HUGE thanks for adding so much wonderful music to start off this holiday season.