'Tis the season to recognize the incredible gifts that we offer and receive throughout the years. This season makes me think about Bending Towards the Light...a Jazz Nativity!, the traditional Christmas story told in a thoroughly fresh new way, through the medium of jazz.
In 2023, the Jazz Nativity had its Montana premiere in Bozeman. It was received as a gift to the community, and received glowing responses, including:
- "It was truly memorable and an unforgettable experience."
- "Such a beautiful show! So thankful for this gift."
- "I had chills from how phenomenal it all was! Thank you for bringing it to us!"
- "Wow! I am not sure that I have the right words to describe how powerful that performance was last night. I felt goosebumps & was literally shaking when the show was over. The pacing was breathtaking."
- "The talent in your huge cast was simply amazing. It was impossible to pick a favorite cast member; they were all great!"
- "My expectations for this Montana premiere were very high, but it went far and above."
- "What a special evening. Bringing all those performers together and in sync with each other is a major feat. Wonderful experience for Bozeman."
- "The show was a blessing and made me smile and lifted my spirit. It was a magical evening of music.
- "You gave Bozeman a wonderful gift of joy. I brought in a bunch of friends, and they left in amazement. A big thank you and hug for your courage and vision to bring this totally unexpected piece of creativity to our city."
It is my supreme pleasure to be working with Hope Lutheran Church to produce Bending Towards the Light...a Jazz Nativity again this year. Showing on December 4th at 7:00, December 7th at 4:00, and December 11th at 7:00, Grammy Award-winning artist Ryan Matzinger will conduct the cast of 85 musicians, singers and dancers from our community as they bring the gift of their talent to the stage.
Montana State University President Dr. Brock Tessman and First Lady Kristin Tessman will serve as the hosts of the opening night performance, bringing their own interpretive gifts to the words CBS journalist Charles Kuralt wrote and delivered at Lincoln Center when he steered the same position: "Light serves as a symbol of truth, love and hope. Hope that even in a dark season, we may begin to see the world bending towards the light."
The cast and crew will honor the following Montana organizations that continue to encourage and support our community to live in the light.
- December 4th: Montana PBS and Yellowstone Public Radio
- December 7th: Warriors & Quiet Waters
- December 11th: Bozeman Art Museum, Eagle Mount, Greater Gallatin United Way, Montana Mindfulness, Montana Shakespeare in the Schools, Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, and Thrive
We are so grateful for these organizations who daily give our community the gifts of their passion for healthy, inspired, valuable living.
The Jazz Nativity was written, by singer/composer Anne Phillips, celebrating its 40th Anniversary in New York City as it has become “A new New York tradition“, per New York Magazine.
The show has been staged and directed by Beth Ann Kennedy since 1995. I have the joy of working with Maren Haynes Marchesini at Hope Church.
Join us! For more information, go to jazznativity.org/Bozeman.
"Such a beautiful show! So thankful for this gift."