"Nutcracker Swings" to benefit the Pasadena Jazz Institute

Christmas stories don’t get much more fanciful than the story of The Nutcracker, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann. However, Duke Ellington knew how to bring fancy to new heights, which is just what he did when he jazzed up Tchaikovsky’s famous suite from the beloved holiday ballet. On December 19th, this sophisticated jazz classic will bring the magic of Christmas to life at the new Pasadena Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom in a concert entitled The Nutcracker Swings, which will benefit the Pasadena Jazz Institute.

“There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas than with music and community” says Paul Lines, Artistic Director of the Pasadena Jazz Institute and Music Director of the event, “so we’ve put together a stellar lineup including music by the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, redwhite+bluezz all stars and the Sacred Nation Gospel Choir, with appearances by special guests James Tormé (son of jazz legend Mel Tormé), Renee Olstead, Sylvia St. James and Maestro Victor Vener, plus we’ve got Pasadena’s Best Local Personality Bryan Gallyot as Master of Ceremonies and we’ll even have a visit from Santa!”

Featured music on the program includes highlights from Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas and of course the Ellington/Strayorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Rounding out the bill is a diverse sampling of Christmas favorites ranging in style from Gospel to Big Band to R&B/Jazz Fusion and more.

“This is a great way to celebrate Christmas with family, friends and the community—to share in the joy of the season. What’s more, it’s an elegant way to experience the great musical heritage that jazz embodies.”

The evening begins at 6:00pm with holiday dining, accompanied by the PJI Junior Superstars, a select group of gifted young artists from the Jazz Institute’s Jazz Camp For Kids summer program. The concert, which will benefit the Institute’s Jazz Camp program, begins at 7:00 and lasts till 10:00.

“We’re thrilled to be helping the Jazz Institute bring great music to the community and to help establish one of the city’s newest event venues—the Pasadena Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom—as a destination of choice for large-scale functions,” notes Executive Producer André Vener. “What’s more, we’ve put together a real entertainment value that is suitable for family, friends or business entertaining and really catches the Christmas spirit.”

Concertgoers will be seated at tables and have the option of purchasing a full service three course meal with their seats for $35 per person. A self-serve buffet will also be available, with entrées from $10-$18. Beverages including wine and a cash bar will also be available. Tickets for the event range from $30.00 to $70.00 per seat and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800 745 3000 or at ticketmaster.com or by visiting nutcrackerswings.com.

Sponsors of the event include Pasadena Entertainment, redwhite+bluezz, Pasadena Independent, Pasadena Weekly and Waltrip’s Music. For more information about The Nutcracker Swings, please visit nutcrackerswings.com.