The Twin Cities holiday season is about to get even more festive with the return of Minnesota’s very own three-time Grammy Award-winning group, Sounds of Blackness. The acclaimed ensemble will present its 46th annual The Night Before Christmas: A Musical Fantasy on Monday, Dec. 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pantages Theatre.
“It’s Christmas like you’ve never seen before,” said Gary Hines, songwriter and executive director of Sounds of Blackness. “We’ve got roof-raising songs, hilarious characters, and heartfelt moments that bring home the true spirit of the holiday.”
The production will feature a mix of traditional and original music, accompanied by a 10-piece orchestra and a cast of 25 talented performers. Attendees can expect everything from rapping reindeer and dancing chitlins to singing socks and a soulful Santa and Mrs. Claus. With surprise guests and special performances by artists such as the Hearst family and the local vocal group None Above, the show promises to be a festive spectacle filled with joy and energy.
The one-night-only event promises to be a show like no other, blending soulful performances with a holiday twist. Sounds of Blackness has been captivating audiences since 1978 with this unique take on the Christmas classic poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore.
The poem was first published anonymously in 1823 in the Sentinel, the local newspaper of Troy, New York, and 13 years later, Moore took credit for its authorship. While many believe it was actually penned by New York writer Henry Livingston, it was later published in Moore’s book titled “Poems” in 1844.
For Sheletta Brundidge , a host on WCCO Radio, and community advocate who typically travels out of state to see family for the holidays, this year’s performance is personal. “I’ve been telling my mama and daddy they need to fly in because I refuse to miss it again!” Brundidge shared enthusiastically. “My family is excited to be there.”
Hines, who has been at the helm of Sounds of Blackness for decades, shared that each year’s production brings fresh energy to the stage. “We contemporize the show every year, updating the songs, costumes, and even the dialogue. We always keep it full of surprises, so even longtime fans have something new to look forward to,” he said.
While maintaining the foundation of the beloved Christmas poem, The Night Before Christmas: A Musical Fantasy infuses it with an urban, Black comedic twist. The show, directed by Jamecia Bennett and choreographed by Carrie Harrington, has a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans, and Hines credits the local community for supporting Sounds of Blackness for over five decades.
“This is the 53rd anniversary of Sounds of Blackness, and we are so grateful for the love and support we’ve received from the Twin Cities and the entire state of Minnesota,” said Hines.
Despite the group’s impressive history, Hines says the cast puts just as much heart and preparation into each year’s show. Rehearsals, which started back in September, include everything from music sessions to full choreography and stage blocking.
With the show selling out nearly every year, fans are encouraged to grab their tickets early. “Once the tickets are gone, they’re gone,” Brundidge warned listeners of her radio show, urging longtime fans and newbies to Minnesota to purchase tickets soon so they don’t miss out.
Visit HennepinArts.org for more information about the show. To purchase tickets online, visit ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets in-person at the State Theatre Box Office, 805 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.
Local News
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