The Holiday Project at The Back Room

THE HOLIDAY PROJECT is one of the few small ensembles to present daring reconstructions of Christmas Pop and Chanukah songs along with Spirituals. Audiences always recognize the melodies, but through the sensibilities of Maria Schneider, Art Lande, McCoy Tyner, and Bobby McFerrin. Most of the pieces quote other Holiday songs, while others cycle thru multiple styles like bobsledding through snow. The group is lead by award-winning composer/arranger Michael Smolens and features some of the most creative touring jazz instrumentalists in the Bay Area. Performances have included Herbst Theater in San Francisco and numerous house concerts....

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THE HOLIDAY PROJECT is one of the few small ensembles to present daring reconstructions of Christmas Pop and Chanukah songs along with Spirituals. Audiences always recognize the melodies, but through the sensibilities of Maria Schneider, Art Lande, McCoy Tyner, and Bobby McFerrin. Most of the pieces quote other Holiday songs, while others cycle thru multiple styles like bobsledding through snow. The group is lead by award-winning composer/arranger Michael Smolens and features some of the most creative touring jazz instrumentalists in the Bay Area. Performances have included Herbst Theater in San Francisco and numerous house concerts.

Jesse Levit (saxes/bass clarinet) [Wynton Marsailes, Jane Monheidt, Vincent Herring]

Erik Jekabson (trumpet/flugelhorn) [Art Lande, Madeline Peyroux, Illinois Jacquet]

Aaron Germain (electric/acoustic bass) [Randy Brecker, Bonnie Raitt, Nguyen Le]

Brian Fishler (drums) [Fred Hersh, Donavan, Ed Cherry]

Michael Smolens (piano/voice/alto flute/balafon) [Stefon Harris, Rhiannon, Zakir Hussain]

Reviews of THE HOLIDAY PROJECT

. . ."Everyone loved your concert, and especially admired the excellent musicianship and original arrangements of Holiday favorites . . .” — Frances Becker (San Mateo concert coordinator)

"A truly inspiring ensemble . . . Your version of 'Over My Head, I Hear Music’ perfectly illustrates the meeting place of Spirituals and Jazz.” — Rev. Carolyn Douglas (Senior Minster, Spiritual Illuminata)

Tickets are $25 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

Thank you for your support!

Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

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