This season has been like no other. We're still in a pandemic, but slowly and surely, we are getting back to normal. For the most part, arts organizations have welcome back live audiences in near to full capacity, and the sounds and action of the holidays have come back to life.
This past Friday, I personally kicked off the holiday season by enjoying the annual Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer concert at the Music Hall ballroom.
Before performances kicked off, I enjoyed a VIP experience with a small reception that featured an awesome appetizer spread from The Rhined (gotta go to this place in person as part of my unofficial "Un-Bucket List").
Performances kicked off with the featured organist of the night, Jelani Eddington, with "Winter Wonderland" One of the most sought after performers in the concert organ circuit, he won the American Theatre organ Society's Young Theatre Organist Competition and remains the youngest competitor ever to win that title.
During another performance, he synched the Steinway piano to play with the Wurlitzer. So revolutionary and mesmerizing!
Next, he gave a stirring rendition of "Thank You Very Much" from the musical "Scrooge"
Another great highlight was the Cincinnati Ballet Otto M Budig Academy Dancers' performance of Duke Ellington's jazz version of the Nutcracker. P.S. & BTW, Ellington made his Music Hall debut in the Greystone Ballroom in Music Hall on Sept 9, 1931 with vocalist Ivie (Ivy) Anderson.
Husband and wife soloists Victor Okafor & Avery Bargasse gave stunning performances. Among the performances, Okafor gave her rendition of Bing Crosby's "Count Your Blessings" from the movie "White Christmas"
For me, the most exciting part of the night was that for the first time ever, Kenny Smith's Peace and Serenity Choir performed in the program, the first ever gospel performance with the Mighty Wurlitzer in the ballroom. The choir gave a shaking and stirring performance of "Go Tell it on the Mountain" & the finale, "Joy to the World" in true Kenny Smith style. Another tidbit: Smith graduated from the University of Cincinnati's College of Music, which was the site next door to Music Hall. The building then housed a Pipe Fitter's Union.
Another exciting portion of the the program was the unveiling of Annie Ruth's "Sisters of Legacy" artwork, showcasing some the the early African American female performers at Music Hall, such as Mamie Smith, Marian Anderson, & Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She also had scarves for sale, which I purchased at the August Classical Roots 20th Anniversary Concert, also held at Music Hall. These scarves add a classic and global pop of color to virtually any timeless wardrobe, so if any thing, purchase one or two.
That night, I left and went home with a new song and a new fervor for this holiday season and beyond. Music Hall has come a long way since its founding in 1878 by Reuben Springer. If you missed this concert this year, add it to your to do Christmas list for next year! This really adds spice, happiness, and well deserved relief to the busy season!
