LOGAN – The highlight of this season’s holiday parade of shows at the Ellen Eccles Theatre was the return of MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS on Dec. 13.
Founded in 1974 by percussionist/composer Chip Davis, the original MANNHEIM STREAMROLLER was best known for its “Fresh Aire” series of albums that blended classical music with New Age and Rock.
The group’s now-famous first holiday album was released in 1984 followed by many more, quickly making Davis’ band into one of the most popular Christmas music artists of all time.
As drummer Tom Sharpe explained, the MANNHEIM STREAMROLLER CHRISTMAS concert here in Logan celebrated the 50th anniversary of the band’s inception and the 40th anniversary of its tours marking the holiday season. For that reason, its show here offered a blend of modern arrangements of traditional Christmas carols and hymns from seven previously released holiday albums, plus deep cuts from “Fresh Aire I, III and IV.”
The show led off with renditions of the group’s overture “Aire on a G String” and “Hallelujah,” but quickly moved into “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen,” played first in the breakneck tempo of a cavalry charge and then the same tune performed as a rock anthem.
Although Davis no longer travels with either of the two troupes now performing MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS in separate parts of the county, he still has vivid memories for the early days of the holiday show.
“I remember when I came out with my very first Christmas album in 1984, followed by our first tour,” Davis explained. “Back then, many said focusing on Christmas just wouldn’t work.”
“Now 40 years later, we are still going strong — and MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS is the longest running concert tour in the entertainment industry!”
Davis credits the group’s loyal fans for the longevity of MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS — including the enthusiastic audience here in Logan — who have made the tour into one of their holiday traditions.
In addition to familiar carols and hymns, the group performed original Christmas compositions including “Christmas Lullaby,” “Catching Snowflakes on Your Tongue,” and “Traditions of Christmas.”
Their set list also included the Dance of the Faeries from “The Nutcracker,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Cantique de Noel,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Carol of the Bells.”
All of those performances were distinctive instrumental interpretations performed by the principal touring artists, backed up by the nine-member Mannheim Steamroller Symphony.
The six gifted principal musicians included Mark Agnor as conductor and violinist; Tali Rubinstein on percussion and recorder; Christopher Forte on guitar and bass; Anna Lackaff on keyboards; Zachary Adamson on harpsichord and keyboards; and Tom Sharpe on drums.
The MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS concert will be offered again in the Ellen Eccles Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.
The Ellen Eccles Theatre is located at 43 South Main Street in downtown Logan.