There are a plethora of Holiday jazz performances lined up over the next month and a half or so in Columbus including Helen Welch and the CJO. The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) returns to the historic Southern Theatre to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in “Home for the Holidays,” November 30 – December 4. UK vocal sensation Helen Welch makes a special return engagement to Columbus for the annual holiday spectacular. Each year promises a special yuletide surprise, and this year is no exception!
Ms. Welch has previously lit up the Broadway stage and captivated audiences at both the Southern Theatre and the summer JazZoo! series. Back by popular demand, Helen joins Artistic Director Byron Stripling for a sleigh ride of holiday favorites done CJO-style.
A native of England, Helen is well-known throughout the United Kingdom for
her musical theatre roles and one woman shows. When she’s not on-stage, she
is busy developing her own musical stage productions. Additionally, she
released her first compact disc collection in 2006 titled One Dream and her
latest release, Forever for Now, features a mix of popular song and jazz.
Under the direction of Mark Donavan, the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra
(CYJO) is proud to perform prior to each Swingin’ with the CJO matinee
concert. Comprised of premier players in grades 9-12 from central Ohio and
beyond, the CYJO provides opportunities for talented high school age
musicians to further their experience in America’s classical music – jazz.
Admission to the CYJO performance at 1 PM is included with each 2 PM Sunday
matinee ticket purchase.
Single tickets are on sale now for $49 (main floor), $46 (first balcony) and
$41 (second balcony) and available through the CAPA Ticket Office and
through all Ticketmaster outlets. Student tickets are available for $15
(over 18) and $10 (under 18) with valid ID at the door.
The Jazz Arts Group is proud to partner with The Salvation Army of Central
Ohio during its entire run of “Home for the Holidays.” In 2010, The
Salvation Army collected 9,235 new toys and assisted 23,040 people through
its Adopt-a-Family and Christmas Cheer programs. Representatives from The
Salvation Army will be on hand at each “Home for the Holidays” performance
to accept toy donations during its annual toy drive. Attendees can receive a
single ticket discount of $10 with a new toy donation for tickets purchased
at the door during any performance!
The Swingin’ with the CJO music series is presented by the Westin Columbus
with ongoing support from the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts
Council, and The Columbus Foundation. Concert sponsorship for “Home for the
Holidays” is provided by Grange Insurance with media support from The
Columbus Dispatch, WMNI AM 920, and WOSU Public Media.
The Jazz Academy also invites all to join Helen Welch and a swingin’ rhythm
section on Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. to sing the “Songs of the
Season.” This holiday sing-a-long is for anyone and everyone who would like
to gather together, sing, have fun and celebrate the season! After the
singing, enjoy cookies and punch and time to visit with one another at the
Jazz Academy. This workshop is free with a donation of a new toy to The
Salvation Army. Space is limited so please register in advance to secure
your spot!
For more information call 614-294-5200 or visit www.jazzartsgroup.org
Read more about Helen on her website: http://helenwelch.com/