How to go
What: Jim Brickman Holiday Concert with the Clark State Performing Arts Center and Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield
When: 8 p.m. next Friday, Dec. 6
Admission: sdult $59, 54, 49, 39; student $59, 20
More info: 937-328-3874 or go to http://pac.clarkstate.edu/jim_brickman.php
Like turkey and Thanksgiving, candy and Halloween, acclaimed pianist Jim Brickman finds music a natural part of the holiday season.
“The music lends itself to the feeling of the holidays,” said Brickman, who has several platinum and gold records and Grammy nominations to his credit. “All emotions are running high and there’s an emotional connection for people. “
Brickman is the guest performer for a holiday celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the Clark State Performing Arts Center and the 70th anniversary of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
The two will combine for the first time for a holiday concert at 8 p.m. next Friday, Dec. 6, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center. This family-friendly show is appropriate for all audiences.
Brickman just released a new holiday CD, “The Magic of Christmas.” The release combines instrumentals of seasonal classics along with vocal contributions from Johnny Mathis, Sandi Patty and Megan Hilty.
Among the selections will be the unconventional but now traditional nod to the music of the holiday classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Although his shows are usually Brickman with a few supporters, he’s excited to work with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
“I love that kind of thing,” he said. “It’s a completely different experience. When the songs are orchestrated, it’s spectacular.”
Like those escaping the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Brickman wanted to avoid the same in larger media centers like Los Angeles, where he lived for several years, so the Ohio native now makes his base in Cleveland, near where he was born and raised.
“I am Midwest and Ohio through and through. Like many performers, you move for a purpose. There’s a comfortable quality about it. My whole staff is in Cleveland. “
Brickman has performed in Springfield before, and it’s a place he’s comfortable in multiple ways — he’s in his home state and in a place that feels like the season, unlike California or Florida.
“The vibe of being here for this season helps. This is always nice, kind of an antidote for the holiday season.”
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