By Laura Citino
Western Herald
A more reliable fixture of the holiday season than snow on the ground, Mannheim Steamroller and their unique take on Christmas music comes for the first time to Western Michigan University’s Miller Auditorium this Saturday, Nov. 28.
While Mannheim Steamroller’s mixture of avant-garde stylings and classical background spans has been wildly popular with audiences, and even earned the band’s founder, Chip Davis, a Grammy award, the band is perhaps best known for its unique and modern take on Christmas music. Classic tunes such as “Deck the Halls” and “Good King Wenceslas” get a revved-up, new age twist.
This tour marks the release of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas – 25th Anniversary. Mannheim’s first Christmas record, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, has sold over six million copies since its release in 1984.
The live performances are an important aspect of Mannheim Steamroller’s success, bringing the music right to the audience. The Christmas tour has been an annual tradition for the band for over 25 years.
“What you’ll hear at a Mannheim Steamroller show is a unique, modern instrumental take on classic holiday tunes,” said Bethany Gauthier, assistant director of marketing for Miller Auditorium. “They have a world-wide following of fans who love their distinctive holiday sound.”
In addition to the sonics, Mannheim Steamroller utilizes state of the art multimedia effects to bring the spirit of Christmas alive in a fun, energetic setting.
The band’s visit to Miller Auditorium this weekend will constitute the first time Kalamazoo experiences a true Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Out of the 59 cities visited on the tour, Kalamazoo and Detroit are the only Michigan venues.
“This is a first for us,” Gauthier said. “We’re the only west Michigan stop. It’s pretty exciting as it’s such a popular show.”
The response from locals has been so overwhelming that the auditorium even added a second show at 4:30 p.m., in addition to the 8:00 p.m. performance. Neither show has yet sold out, but according to Gauthier, the numbers are well on their way.
In addition to the dual performances, Miller Auditorium is also holding a holiday food drive in the lobby. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and other canned goods to help support those in need during the holiday season.
“We’ll collect the food items and distribute what we collect to area food pantries after the show,” Gauthier said.
For many, the familiar music of Mannheim Steamroller sparks warm memories of Christmases past.
“For fans of holiday music, no matter what your age, Mannheim Steamroller is a great way to get in the spirit,” Gauthier said.
Chip Davis, the band’s mastermind, agrees.
“At Christmas time especially, people want to have something familiar in their lives to listen to,” Davis said. “It’s comforting to listen to something from your childhood – kind of like comfort food.”
As with nearly all Miller shows, Western students can purchase tickets at a 50 percent off price with their valid student ID.
Catch the holiday buzz of Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas music at Miller Auditorium this Saturday, Nov. 28 at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, and are available at the Miller Auditorium box office, or over the phone at (269) 387-2300.
