"Bending Towards The Light ...A Jazz Nativity" Swings Into Birdland On Christmas Eve And Day

“BENDING TOWARDS THE LIGHT ... A JAZZ NATIVITY" SWINGS INTO BIRDLAND ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY

BENDING TOWARDS THE LIGHT... A JAZZ NATIVITY, the joyful musical holiday show that warms the hearts of families of all faiths, swings into Birdland (315 West 44th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues, New York City) with three performances on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

A colorful presentation that delights children as well as jazz fans, the JAZZ NATIVITY boasts an all-star band featuring Latin percussionist Candido and tenor saxophonist Bob Kindred; vocalists Hilary Kole in the role of Mary; Jon Gordon as the saxophone playing shepherd; Lundon Lawson of the Newark Boys Chorus School in the role of the Shepherd Boy; Brenda Feliciano as the archangel; and trombonist Benny Powell, Latin jazz flutist Dave Valentin and tap dancer Max Pollak as The Three Kings. Special guests who will come from the audience during the finale include pianist Arturo O'Farrill, Director of the Lincoln Center Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt.

The JAZZ NATIVITY, with a cast of 16 performers, will play at Birdland for three performances: Sunday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 25 at 5 p.m. & 8 p.m. Each performance will be 75 minutes without an intermission. Tickets at $35 are now on sale at Birdland box office (212-581-3080), www.birdlandjazz.com, or www.instantseats.com/birdland. An additional $10 minimum can be applied to food or drinks.

Written and arranged by singer-songwriter Anne Phillips at the suggestion of the late John Garcia Gensel of St. Peter's Church, JAZZ NATIVITY first premiered in 1985. Since then, it has been a popular Christmas offering across the country.

The show combines well-known Christmas carols with original music by Ms. Phillips, Bob Kindred and Dave and Iola Brubeck. The original soundtrack recording features as narrator the late CBS News journalist Charles Kuralt, with Lionel Hampton, Dave Brubeck, Tito Puente, Benny Powell, Toots Thielemans and many other jazz greats in the band. For information: www.jazznativity.com or www.cdbaby.com.

BENDING TOWARDS THE LIGHT ... A JAZZ NATIVITY is directed by Tad and Beth Jones. Music Director is Bob Kindred. Conductor is Ms. Phillips. Producer is Kindred Spirits, a not-for-profit organization.