Following a wildly popular premiere in 2023, “Bending Towards the Light… a Jazz Nativity” returns this month. Performances will be held December 4th, 7th and 11th at Hope Lutheran Church. Join the Bozeman community in celebrating the love and joy of the holiday season with the Jazz Nativity!
First produced in New York City in 1985, this acclaimed event celebrates 40 years of top-tier musicians bringing inspiration to enthusiastic audiences. Through the seasons, the show’s composer/arranger Anne Phillips has welcomed such musical greats as Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Ron Carter and Tito Puente, among others. Along with Phillips’ wonderful arrangements of familiar carols, the production features original music composed by Dave Brubeck, Iola Brubeck and Bob Kindred.
Dr. Shane Doyle, Apsáalooke, will open Bozeman’s second annual production with an indigenous honor song and his daughter Lillian Doyle will support his piece with a traditional dance. MSU Professor of Music and Grammy Award Winner, Ryan Matzinger, will conduct the shows which includes local luminaries.
Among those featured are vocalist Jeni Fleming, saxophonist Jake Fleming, pianist Lori Rosolowsky, tap queen Katherine Kramer, the Big Sky Voices, Maddisen Sheedy, a beautiful rhythm section, Michael Gillan, Craig Hall, Chris Naro, Michael Steele, Stefan Stern, section, members of Montana State University’s One O’clock Jazz Ensemble and a 40+ member choir directed by Maren Haynes Marchesini.
The debut cast of characters and musicians will be polishing their brass, tuning their guitars, and lifting their voices in preparation for three thrilling performances.
MSU President Dr. Brock Tessman and his wife Kristen will serve as hosts of the opening night performance, bringing their own interpretation to the words journalist Charles Kuralt wrote and delivered at Lincoln Center when he steered the same position.
Kuralt’s prologue proclaims: “…Light serves …as a symbol of truth and love …and hope. Hope that even in a dark season, we may begin to see the world… bending towards the light.”
At each performance, the cast and crew will honor Montana organizations that encourage and support our community to live in the light of inclusion and equity for all.
– Thursday, Dec. 4th spotlights Montana PBS & Yellowstone Public Radio
– Sunday, Dec. 7th honors Warriors & Quiet Waters
– Thursday, Dec. 11th uplifts organizations that help children express love, kindness and creativity, including Bozeman Art Museum in the Schools, Eagle Mount Bozeman, Greater Gallatin United Way, Montana Mindfulness, Montana Shakespeare in the Schools, the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts and Thrive
“By the end of The Jazz Nativity you know you’ve been through something wonderful… a stirring celebration of Christmas!” – CBS Sunday Morning
“Anne Philips has created a compelling experience in which the secular and sacred swirl and soar!” – Topeka News Journal
Thursday performances (Dec. 4th and 11th) begin at 7pm, with a 4pm start time on Sunday, Dec. 7th. Hope Lutheran is located at 2152 Graf Street in Bozeman.
‘Bending Towards the Light’ is produced by Beth Ann Kennedy, Aunahil, Kindred Spirits and the Hope Lutheran Center for the Arts. Tickets range $25–$50 and are available for purchase at www.jazznativity.org/bozeman. Support the light in your community while enjoying a truly joyful experience. •
