Kansas City’s performing arts scene has its beloved holiday traditions—KC Rep’s A Christmas Carol and the Kansas City Ballet’s Nutcracker are among the classic festive productions that have become annual staples.
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra wants to start a tradition that swings with another holiday favorite: A Charlie Brown Christmas. This yuletide season will mark the big band’s second annual performance of selections from the animated special.
“For me as a musician, the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas is just awesome,” says Clint Ashlock, artistic director of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. “I’m diving into the way Vince Guaraldi composed—a lot of it being super spontaneous—and they’re genuinely such great jazz compositions: the harmonies, melodies and hooks. Like all good music, it can be adapted.”
While the iconic compositions and swing carols from A Charlie Brown Christmas were originally recorded by Guaraldi’s trio, the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra has reenvisioned the tunes for the robust 18-piece ensemble. Ashlock spent countless hours arranging compositions, such as “Christmastime Is Here,” specifically with the members of the big band in mind.
On December 10, the boisterous and brassy ensemble will fill Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
The performance will also feature KC singer Lee Langston, who packs the house at any venue in town, whether at The Phoenix or the Kauffman Center. With a velvety and soulful voice akin to Luther Vandross, Langston has been a recurring special guest with the jazz orchestra throughout the past few years.
“There are so many fun memories for people who grew up watching the [Peanuts] special or watch it with their kids now,” Ashlock says. “We’re trying to use this concert to instill some warmth and positivity in a world that doesn’t showcase a ton of that sometimes.”
Alongside the performance, visuals from the special will be projected on screen for an immersive, engaging show for all ages. Projections include a loop of skaters gliding on a frozen pond to the sound of “Skating” and the Peanuts dancing to the groove of “Linus and Lucy.” In the future, Ashlock says the ensemble hopes to perform alongside a screening of the whole special, similar to the Kansas City Symphony’s popular film and live orchestra series.
“The special is just adorable and endearing and enduring,” Ashlock says.
GO: The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra presents A Charlie Brown Christmas, Tuesday, December 10, 7 pm. Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. 1601 Broadway Blvd., KCMO. Tickets range from $28-$80 and are available at kcjo.org.
