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Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show
December 17, 2017 • 7:00 pm PST
Blind Boys of Alabama
Christmas Show
featuring Preservation Hall
Legacy Horns & Ruthie Foster
Sun, Dec 17 at 7PM
The Theatre at Ace Hotel
“We had no idea when we started that we would make it this far. The secret to our longevity is, we love what we do. And when you love what you do, that keeps you motivated. That keeps you alive.” —Jimmy Carter, Founding Member
The Center for the Art of Performance invites you to celebrate the holidays with us in style with the Blind Boys of Alabama. This holiday treat will include songs from their most recent recording, Talkin’ Christmas!, which includes new versions of Christmas standards like the hand-clapping rearrangement of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and a refreshingly intimate, acoustic version of “Silent Night,” as well as covers of hidden gospel gems, and six brand-new holiday songs.
The Blind Boys of Alabama have the rare distinction of being recognized around the world as both living legends and modern-day innovators. They are not just gospel singers borrowing from old traditions; this group helped to define those traditions in 20th century and almost single-handedly created a new gospel sound for the 21st. Since the original members first sang together as children at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in the late 1930s (including Jimmy Carter, who leads the group today), the band has persevered through seven decades to become one of the most recognized and decorated roots music groups in the world. The Blind Boys will be joined for this performance by the world-renowned Preservation Hall Legacy Horns from New Orleans, and celebrated vocalist Ruthie Foster, whose indescribable blend of gospel, blues and soul has been likened to that of Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples. Don’t miss this uplifting evening of music that is sure to make even the grouchiest Grinch smile.