Twas a week before Christmas and all through the house (that big house known as Van Meter Hall) many creatures were stirring us with the songs of the season at Orchestra Kentucky’s “A Rockin Christmas”. Though the consensus was (yes, I do talk to audience members from time to time) that this year’s version was a bit less rocking than last year’s show, it was nonetheless an evening filled with favorites designed to get you in the Christmas spirit. From Manheim Steamroller (definitely not rocking) to Bruce Springsteen (most certainly rocking) the evening was filled with nothing but Christmas tunes. It was a great break from the hustle and bustle.

The Manheim Steamroller arrangements made up a good part of the first half, and they were, as one would expect, beautiful. It was a nice touch to project quaint Christmas video images (like gently falling snow in the woods) in the background. Between that and the ample Christmas decorations throughout the theatre, the overall effect was that of a Currier and Ives Christmas card set to music. The Orchestra was in the spotlight for this set of music, with the Rewinders adding nice touches in the background. Before the first set was over the shift was made to the more modern pop Christmas tunes, some rocking, some more middle of the road.

The second half featured all popular modern Christmas classics. Standout performances were Stephen Grilli’s take on Elvis (“Blue Christmas”) in full impersonation-style voice and working of the crowd, the first ever Orchestra Kentucky rendition of a Bruce Springsteen song (“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”), Bhrett Puckett’s best Don Henley in the Eagles’ “Please Come Home for Christmas”, Susan Norman’s best Karen Carpenter (we’ve heard her do Karen before and it’s always an amazing likeness) in “Merry Christmas, Darling“, and  John Mc Cracken’s take on the John Lennon classic “Happy Christmas (War Is Over), or as some people know it, “So This is Christmas”). Bah Humbug gone, Christmas spirit all moved in.  

As always, the collaboration between the Orchestra and The Rewinders was magical. I never get tired of hearing these popular tunes backed up with a rich compliment of backing vocalists, strings, horns, and percussion. For more info on Orchestra Kentucky and its’ upcoming schedule  (next up is Big Band Blast at the Capitol on January 21st, and the not-to-be-missed Motownmadness on February 3 & 4th at Van Meter) go to www.OrchestraKentucky.com.

Orchestra Kentucky’s A Rockin’ Christmas was peformed at Van Meter Hall, WKU on 12/17/2011.

About the author: Pennman boughthis first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. Hehas spent much of his disposable income on music, especially liveperformances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps akeen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has aBA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbledin music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more ofPennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.htmlor visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bgor www.facebook.com/pennman