Gioia Patton/Arts Insider
In addition to the selections below, the Arts insider also recommends the following two Christmas season events: Waterfront Botanical Garden’s 5th annual Gardens Aglimmer (running through 12/30). This enchanting event transforms the Waterfront Botanical Gardens into a dazzling display of festive lights and holiday cheer. And Paristown’s *6th Annual Fete de Noel (through 01/05). *A fun improvement this year is the newly enlarged real outdoor skating rink!
“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.” – Albert Einstein
Jim Brickman – “Comfort & Joy” | The Brown Theatre
With his signature style and undeniable talent, renowned songwriter and pianist Jim Brickman has become synonymous with the holiday season. “Comfort & Joy” is a testament to Brickman’s ability to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level, and his heartfelt compositions and soulful piano melodies have touched the lives of millions around the world. Through his music, Brickman invites listeners to embrace the joy and warmth of the holiday season, reminding us of the importance of love, togetherness, and gratitude.
This year’s tour promises to be a spectacular celebration of all things Christmas. Expect a captivating blend of Brickman’s original holiday classics, along with beloved seasonal favorites. From enchanting instrumentals to heartwarming vocal performances, each show will be a unique and unforgettable experience. The Arts Insider (who’s interviewed Brickman multiple times over the past 20 years, including twice for TW), makes a point to never miss his Louisville concert dates, and can’t recommend a Brickman concert highly enough.
WHEN: Saturday, 12/14 @7:30pm TICKETS: KentuckyPerformingArts.org
A Winter Gathering with Kathy Mattea | The Kentucky Center
Two-time GRAMMY Award-winner Kathy Mattea brings her acoustic music to an original and traditional Christmas holiday music program. Mattea and her band take on a wide range of songs from the season to selections from her GRAMMY Award-winning albums “Good News” and *“Joy for Christmas Day” (*the latter album amongst the Arts Insider’s top five Christmas holiday favorites). Making country music since the early 80s, the West Virginia native (and former TW interview subject), has achieved numerous top 10 hits on country radio. Fans might remember Mattea’s hit “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” and her heartbreakingly beautiful 1989 ballad “Where’ve You Been”. “One of Nashville’s finest song interpreters.”- The Washington Post
WHEN: Thursday, 12/19 @8:00pm TICKETS: KentuckyPerformingArts.org
Christmas with C. S. Lewis starring David Payne | The Kentucky Center
In the early years of his young adult life C. S. Lewis believed the story of Christ’s birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J R.R. Tolkien. Although both men loved mythology in general, Tolkien was convinced that the Jesus myth was the one true myth. That was the start of Lewis’ journey from Atheism to Christianity. From that point on Christmas, for Lewis, took on an entirely different meaning. This production finds Lewis at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve hosting a group of Americans who are Christmassing in England- the group unwittingly about toexperience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections, and which stimulates a whole range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears. Since landing his first role as C.S. Lewis in the 1990s, David Payne has become the world’s foremost actor in the world of Lewis.
WHEN: 12/22 @ 2:00pm TICKETS: KentuckyPerformingArts.org
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS | The Kentucky Center
GRAMMY Award -winner Chip Davis’s Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has been America’s favorite holiday music tradition for over 35 years. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas is an ensemble of 15 musicians playing over 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects, capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting. “I remember when I came out with my very first Christmas album in 1984 followed by our first tour,” Davis said. “Back then, many said focusing on Christmas just wouldn’t work. Now over more than 35 years later, we are still going strong — and are the longest running concert tour in the entertainment industry! I want to thank all our fans for making us part of their holiday tradition.”
WHEN: Monday, 12/30 @7:30pm TICKETS: KentuckyPerformingArts.org
