Join Charlie Brown on a memorable journey as he tries to direct the school Christmas pageant. In their letters to Santa, everyone seems to be acting materialistic - so Charlie Brown tries to restore holiday spirit with a ragged little fir tree. Experience the power of this wonderful story live onstage as Charlie Brown turns to his best friend Linus to learn the season’s real meaning. Special encore: Snoopy’s Christmas Eve encounter with the Red Baron!

Kansas City native Aryana Nemati has a true passion for music.  She has been playing the saxophone for the past 13 years in addition to flute and clarinet.  As she became more involved with music, she began studying with local baritone saxophonist/composer, Kerry Strayer.

Aryana continued to pursue her musical aspirations at UMKC’s conservatory.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance/Studio Music in the winter of 2014.  Here she has studied with Tim Timmons, Zach Shemon, Dan Thomas, and Bobby Watson.  She performed with both jazz and classical ensembles at the conservatory.  In the spring of 2017, Nemati completed her teaching assistance ship and received a master’s degree in Jazz Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Today Nemati performs regularly with bands of various genres such as reggae, ska, jazz, salsa, motown, and funk.  She has performed at a number of music festivals including Walkarusa in Mulberry, Arkansas, SXSW in Austin, Texas, and the Middle of the Map Music Festival at home in Kansas City.  Nemati has recorded with many local artists.  She enjoys exploring all styles of music and understanding where each comes from. She has had the honor of playing with the following: Harry Connick Jr., Mindi Abair, Sister Carol, Reeko Lion, Naggo Morris, Harold ‘Spike’ Bonhart, Ernie A

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE is a moving portrait of America at a time of momentous social upheaval. Set in 1963 Louisiana, the musical focuses on Caroline - a maid working in the sweltering basement of the Gellman household - and her relationship with 8-year-old Noah Gellman. The score combines spirituals, blues, Motown and Jewish klezmer and folk music.

"Manna from heaven. Caroline is, like Angels in America, ultimately a celebration of human fortitude, of the vast resources of love and hope that allow people of all backgrounds and belief systems to transcend hatred and despair." (USA Today)

Celebrate the joy of the Christmas season through its beloved songs and carols. Featuring our signature blend of sacred and secular, popular and traditional, this Kansas City tradition has been called “the best Christmas show in town” and “Kansas City’s most consistently stirring Christmas show for 15 years” by critics and audiences alike. From gospel to contemporary to classical, this intimate cabaret revue features something for everyone, making it the perfect holiday tradition for the whole family!

For the 39^th year, KCRep is pleased to announce the return of its special holiday event for children, adults, and patrons from every background! Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, cold-hearted creditor, continues his stingy ways, even on Christmas Eve. He rejects a dinner invitation from his nephew, Fred; he yells at charity workers; and overworks his earnest employee, Bob Cratchit. Later that evening he is visited one-by-one by the ghost of his dead partner, Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, who show him the errors of his ways until he ultimately discovers what’s really worth celebrating in his life.

Michael Stern, conductor
Joyce Yang, piano

MAHLER “Adagio” from Symphony No. 10
JONATHAN LESHNOFF Piano Concerto (Kansas City Symphony commission, world premiere, underwritten by the Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation)
STRAUSS Also sprach Zarathustra

With its majestic timpani and brass fanfare, everyone knows the unforgettable “Sunrise” opening of Also sprach Zarathustra from countless ads, pop culture references and the film “2001: A Space Odyssey.” No recording will ever compare to hearing it live in Helzberg Hall with your Kansas City Symphony. While Mahler was unable to complete his 10th Symphony, “Adagio” from the first movement expresses his profound love for life. Between these two masterpieces, the dazzling Joyce Yang unveils the world premiere of Jonathan Leshnoff’s Piano Concerto.

His flagship ensemble, Chris Hazelton’s Boogaloo 7, was assembled in 2013 and held a nearly 6-year residency every Friday night at Kansas City’s Green Lady Lounge.  This seven piece unit focuses on funky, rhythmic soul-jazz that harkens back to the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, a time when Lou Donaldson, Jimmy McGriff, Charles Earland, Grant Green, Lonnie Smith, and a host of others packed dance floors and venues along the “Chitlin Circuit”.  The Boogaloo 7 has released two 45 rpm 7-inch vinyl singles and two full-length LPs on Sunflower Soul Records, a label established by Hazelton in 2014 that produces soulful recordings with unashamedly old-school, analog vibe.

For nearly 10 years, Chris served as the organist at “The Historic” Centennial United Methodist Church in the 18th & Vine Jazz District of Kansas City, MO - a church that was once home to Count Basie and Charlie Parker.  He is happily married to the love of his life, Erica, and together have a 2-year old daughter named Evelyn and 1-month old son named Jaxon.

The InterContinental provides a magical setting from beautiful décor and elegant cuisine to a performance by Kansas City Ballet and after-dinner dancing music by Michael Beers Band.

Proceeds from the event provide essential support for Kansas City Ballet and its School. Kansas City Ballet is our city’s premier professional dance company and provides outstanding dance performances at the Kauffman Center, comprehensive ballet training, and community education and engagement programs for tens of thousands in our city.

In gratitude for your support, Nutcracker Ball Benefactors will enjoy a splendid pre-dinner cocktail reception at the InterContinental’s rooftop prior to entering the Ballroom. In addition, guests at the Gold Benefactor Level and above will enjoy the exclusive Ball Benefactor’s Private Dinner on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 on the stage of the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Max Groove is one of the pioneers of the smooth jazz style that has dominated the airways and captivated countless listeners for years. He has twelve internationally released CDs, three in the top twenty Billboard Jazz.  His current release “Night Owl” has his signature urban smooth jazz sound while showcasing his innovative Funky jazz structures.

Louis Neal Big Band plays traditional big band music as well as contemporary hits. Comprised of five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, and a rhythm section, this big band puts one in the mindset of Duke Ellington or Count Basie.

The band was formed in the mid 1990s and consists of Kansas City’s finest jazz musicians. The band plays for notable venues in and around the Kansas City area such as the Blue Room on 18th & Vine and The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Susie Benchasil Seiter, guest conductor

Boasting exuberant favorites like “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” this magical Disney classic gave audiences some of the most cherished songs of all time. Winner of five Academy Awards® (including Best Original Score) and starring the incomparable Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, don’t miss your Kansas City Symphony performing the charming live soundtrack with the entire film on Thanksgiving weekend. Supported by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. © All rights reserved.

Indigo Hour in The Blue Room features drink specials, free live music, and the best Kansas City R&B and Neo-Soul acts every Friday night from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm. This week’s Indigo Hour is hosted by Delynia Jannell.

As a vocalist, recording artist and songwriter Delynia has been blessed to share her musical talents throughout this City, within our Nation, and Internationally. In 1999 she sung background for Shania Twain in her Kansas City Tour on “God Bless the Child.” In 2000, she was the featured soloist in “This Little Light of Mine” at Carnegie Hall in New York, and travelled to London, England with the Washburn University Choir. In 2006, she released her first contemporary Gospel debut album titled “I Give My All.” Other accomplishments include her working with national recording artists Krizz Kaliko, TechN9ne, Stevie Stone, E-40 and Kyla Jade. She was a featured artist in the 2017 Kansas City Jazz and Heritage Festival and recently joined the Philip Collins Experience 2019 Tour.

Matt Villinger was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.  From there he received his Undergraduate and Masters in Jazz Performace from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.  He has got to work with greats, such as Reggie Thomas, Peter Martin, Adam Maness, Peter Schlamb and others.  Villinger currently resides in Kansas City leading his own groups as well as playing in Electric Tinks and other sideman projects.

Over the years, Ida McBeth’s repertoire has included pop-style ballads, jazz and blues, show tunes, funk, R&B, gospel and well known standards.

Critics have described her as “a jazz singer,” “a blues singer,” “a pop singer” and “a cabaret singer.” Still others have referred to her as “a story teller,” “a professor emeritus of body language,” “a consummate actress” and “the complete entertainer.”

Bring your instrument and sit in at the weekly Blue Monday Jam Session – or just take in the sounds of one of Kansas City’s best jam sessions. Each Monday night begins with a set by a featured ensemble and then we open the mic to interested musicians. Doors open at 5:00 pm, live music starts at 7:00 pm, jam session starts at 8:00 pm. Arrive early to sign up! This week's Blue Monday Jam Session is hosted by saxophonist Logan Richardson.

Currently Logan is showcasing work from his fourth album as a band leader entitled "Blues People" featuring Richardson on Alto Saxophone, and effects; Justus West, Electric Guitar, & Vocals; Igor Osypov, Electric Guitar; DeAndre Manning, Electric Bass; Ryan J. Lee, Drums.

This project sonically sets Logan off into a completely different territory as he dives deeper into his roots presenting a sci-fi themed, hauntingly 80's referenced, soundtrack to his life. This album is now available on the Stretch Music/ Ropeadope and Universal Music labels worldwide.

In 1897, the international stage celebrity Sarah Bernhardt sets out to tackle her most ambitious role yet: Hamlet. This performance could catapult her to godly heights or be the end of Bernhardt’s illustrious career. All of Paris is wondering what will happen, and the indomitable actress will not allow anything to hold her back. In a fierce exploration of women, power and the desire to create a lasting legacy, Theresa Rebeck’s new play is full of high comedy and human drama.

Stephen Martin has established himself as a uniquely gifted, and intensely spirited saxophonist. Born in Champaign, IL and raised in St. Louis, MO, Martin began playing saxophone at age 10 and thrived in a community with a musically rich tradition, particularly in jazz. He has been recognized early in his career for his excellence in music, most recently being named a finalist for the 2018 Carinthian International Jazz Award.

Based in Kansas City, Martin maintains a regular performance schedule, contributing to a thriving, exceptional local music scene as well as performing throughout the country and abroad.

Choreography by Devon Carney
Music by Peter I. Tchaikovsky
With Kansas City Symphony

Kansas City Ballet’s annual tradition, The Nutcracker, continues to awe audiences year after year, and is hailed as “positively oozing charm” by The Washington Post. The classic, Victorian-era story by E.T.A. Hoffman featuring Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier and the Sugar Plum Fairy is a magical theatrical experience wrapped with exquisite costumes, grand sets and captivating choreography.

Sponsored by Bank of America

The horn-blowing angels known as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will swing into Kansas City under the direction of legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis with Big Band Holidays: a jubilant concert of seasonal favorites that could enthuse the sullenest Scrooge.

The historic Midland Theatre will reverberate with glorious sounds of the famed ensemble of great jazz musicians with vocalists Denzal Sinclaire and Alexis Morrast. These musicians are great arrangers, too, and Big Band Holidays will feature some of their creative work. With a spirit that spans generations, this is a concert for the whole family to enjoy.

Indigo Hour in The Blue Room features drink specials, free live music, and the best Kansas City R&B and Neo-Soul acts every Friday night from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm. This week's Indigo Hour is hosted by Desmond Mason.

Desmond "D. Professor" Mason is a musician and producer based out of Kansas City, MO. In addition to jazz, he plays hip-hop, gospel, soul, R&B, and other genres.

Julian Wachner, guest conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Lauren Snouffer, soprano
Melissa Attebury, mezzo-soprano
Oliver Mercer, tenor
Alexander Dobson, bass-baritone

Since its 1741 premiere, Handel’s Messiah has absolutely dazzled audiences. Experience this glorious oratorio, brought to life by nearly 200 musicians onstage, including our Kansas City Symphony Chorus and very special guest vocalists. The superior acoustics of Helzberg Hall filled with full and glorious sounds guarantee you’ll savor every note. Supported by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.