The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis (a preview):
If you love holiday music, brace yourself, because Mannheim is a- rollin’ into Shea’s. Mannheim Steamroller, that is, the best-selling Christmas music artist in history with over 40 million albums sold. (Take that, Bing!) Even if you do not think you know the group, you have no doubt heard their catchy, irresistible sound. The unique mix of Renaissance instruments with rock & roll beats stands out in the sea of non-stop radio seasonal music.
You might have seen them featured at the recent Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Is there a better measure of one’s high Christmas status than one’s own float in Macy’s parade? Now you can see them live for one performance only at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, on Sunday, December 4 at 4 p.m. Shea’s has decked the halls to the max, so be prepared for a Holiday overload.
Mannheim Steamroller is so popular now that Mannheim founder Chip Davis has created a second tour ensemble to meet the national demand. THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC OF MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER by CHIP DAVIS features the favorite Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with state-of-the-art multimedia effects. Mr. Davis directed and co-produced the 2011 edition with Magicspace Entertainment, adding new flair to old favorites.
And by new flair, I mean BIG flair. Magicspace Entertainment producers Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard, Steve Boulay and Bruce Granath have been on the cutting edge of Broadway’s big shows for more than 30 years. Producing credits include (to name just a few) Hello, Dolly! Jekyll & Hyde; The Who’s Tommy; Cabaret; and Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles on Broadway. National tour credits include The 101 Dalmatians Musical, West Side Story, Grease, A Chorus Line, Jesus Christ Superstar and concert tours by Janet Jackson, Cher, Fleetwood Mac, Styx, Britney Spears and *NSYNC. MagicSpace Entertainment is currently touring The Magic of David Copperfield, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, and, of course, The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis.
The music of Mannheim is not all flash and dazzle, much of the music is very tender and evocative as well. It makes for a truly enjoyable and emotional mixture and will appeal to all age groups.
For many, Mannheim’s Christmas tour is an annual event. Now in its 26th year, it is met by sold-out audiences wherever it goes. But whether this is your first or twenty-first time, climb aboard the Steamroller and fasten your seatbelts. It’s safe to say this show has it all for your Christmas fix.
There’s a remarkable story about the unlikely success of this band, and the determination of Chip Davis to make his music. You can find out more about Mannheim Steamroller and listen to some clips at shop.mannheimsteamroller.com.
Mannheim Steamroller at Shea’s Buffalo Performing Arts Center Sunday, December 4.