There’s always something for everyone at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, and December is no different. For tickets to any of these fine events, go to TheCenterPresents.org or call (317) 843-3800.
Center Presents Performances include:
All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
The Palladium
Tickets from $25
Krieg DeVault Holiday Series
Back by popular demand, this one-of-a-kind production is based on a World War I incident in which German and British soldiers on the Western Front laid down their arms briefly on Christmas Eve to bury their dead, exchange gifts, play soccer and sing carols. A cast of 10 actors and singers recreates the remarkable true story of camaraderie, music and peace through songs, poetry, letters and authentic journal excerpts. “It’s not only an outstanding piece of musical theater, but a brilliantly executed production that understands that its power comes from its simplicity.” – St. Paul Pioneer Press
Canadian Brass Christmas
8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
The Palladium
Tickets from $25
Krieg DeVault Holiday Series
Since forming in the 1970s, this distinctive chamber quintet has toured and released more than 100 albums as the leading standard bearer for the role of brass instruments in classical music. Comprising tuba, trombone, horn and two trumpets, Canadian Brass was the first Western brass ensemble to perform in the People’s Republic of China and the first to take the main stage at Carnegie Hall. In this special holiday performance, the group will perform a range of classical, traditional and pop tunes reflecting the spirit of the season.
Luminare Christmas
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8
The Palladium
Tickets from $25
Krieg DeVault Holiday Series
After a crowd-pleasing debut last year at the Palladium, Luminare is returning with a new genre-blending holiday music spectacular. The band is led by keyboardist John Blasucci, known for his many years touring with Dennis DeYoung (Styx) and Mannheim Steamroller. Luminare’s debut album, That Star, showcases their powerful blend of rock, pop, classical and folk music on the original title track and Christmas classics such as “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “What Child Is This,” “We Three Kings,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Joy to the World.”
Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour
8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
The Palladium
Tickets from $30
Krieg DeVault Holiday Series
Performance Partner: SBC Wealth Management
A popular annual tradition at the Center, saxophonist and bandleader Dave Koz’s holiday concerts feature stellar special guests performing fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family. In a career spanning three decades, Koz has earned nine Grammy nominations and sent nine albums to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. This year’s “Friends” include Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui and Rebecca Jade.
Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas Tour
8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
The Palladium
Tickets from $55
Krieg DeVault Holiday Series
Performance Partner: Community Health Network
Marie Osmond has spent over six decades in the entertainment business as a gold- and platinum-selling recording artist as well as a TV personality, dancer, actor, author and public speaker. Since she and brother Donny ended their 11-year Las Vegas residency in 2019, she has traveled the nation with sell-out shows featuring a 30-piece orchestra. Her latest album is 2021’s Unexpected, a collection of Broadway and opera classics that debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover Albums chart and later re-entered the chart to spend a total of 24 weeks in the Top 10.
Michael Bolton: Greatest Hits & Holiday Favorites
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13
The Palladium
Tickets from $47
Krieg DeVault Holiday Series
From “When a Man Loves a Woman” to “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” and more, Michael Bolton’s time, love and tenderness have created the soundtrack of our lives. To date, he has seen nine studio albums rank in the Top 10, with nine No. 1 singles. His most recent release, the Billboard Classical chart-topper A Symphony of Hits, is a collection of his favorites recorded with a full symphony orchestra. Catch the Grammy Award winner’s return to the Palladium for an evening of timeless tunes and your favorite songs of the season.
Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony Tour 2022
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15
The Palladium
Tickets from $55
Krieg DeVault Holiday Series
From delicate traditional Irish carols to magnificent uplifting anthems, Celtic Woman has a wealth of seasonal music to gladden your heart. Hear stunning new arrangements of the classic “Silent Night” and the ancient Gaelic carol “Dia do Bheatha” from their holiday album, The Magic of Christmas. Listen for the jingle of bells as you glide through the snowy landscape of “Sleigh Ride” and get ready to sing along when it’s time to “Deck the Halls.” This is a rare opportunity to hear Celtic Woman’s angelic harmonies with the thrilling live sound of a full symphony orchestra in an intimate concert setting.
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Other December events include:
Faegre Drinker Peanut Butter & Jam: Holiday Cabaret on Strings with Melchior Marionettes
10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
The Studio Theater
Tickets: $10 per child, includes up to two free adult admissions per order
Back by popular demand! Join us for a fast-paced, entertaining cabaret of handcrafted marionettes. Children and adults will delight in the hilarious antics of the characters and the skill of the puppeteers. Everyone will want to sing along with the holiday classics and favorites. Designed for children ages 1 to 7, Faegre Drinker Peanut Butter & Jam sessions encourage young children to become engaged in the arts.
Palladium Bookies
6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12
The Palladium
Free
The Palladium Bookies meet every other month to discuss books about the performing arts or related to upcoming performances. Social time is followed by breakout sessions for in-depth discussion. This month’s book is Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins. For information and to RSVP, email Outreach@TheCenterPresents.org.
About the Center for the Performing Arts
The mission of the nonprofit Center for the Performing Arts is to engage and inspire the Indiana community through enriching arts experiences. Its campus includes the 1,500-seat Palladium concert hall, the 500-seat Tarkington theater and the black-box Studio Theater. The Center presents and hosts hundreds of events each year, including the Center Presents performance series, featuring the best in classical, jazz, pop, rock, country, comedy and other genres. Educational and experiential programming includes children’s concerts, summer camps, book clubs, lectures, and classes in music and dance. The Center is home to the affiliated Great American Songbook Foundation and provides space and support services for six resident arts companies. More information at TheCenterPresents.org.