The Irving Black Arts Council continues their 30th Anniversary season with “Rhythms of Christmas,” an evening of music, poetry, art and more. The star-studded event features Percussion Things with Dallas-based jazz percussionist Len Barnett, LA-Based Billboard Top 20 Singer/Songwriter Margo Rey and ICTN's award-winning TV Personality Cathy Whiteman.

Jazz versions of traditional Christmas carols isn’t a new idea; after all, it’s been done by some of the best… Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Wynton Marsalis and Diana Krall to name a few.  But for an evening of live, percussion-driven jazz that gives the Yuletide a whole new groove, Rhythms of Christmas is a can’t-miss event featuring many of the Metroplex’s best jazz musicians.  Backing Len Barnett are Norman Williams on keys, Brian Warthen on bass, S’Ankh Rasa on sax and Lawrence “Peebody” Farrell on drums.  Also joining them is very special guest Margo Rey, the chart-topping singer-songwriter who has collaborated with the likes of Dave Koz, Marc Anthony, Kenny Loggins and John Oates.  Margo’s lush, innovative stylings combined with high-energy percussion will have concert-goers revisiting holiday favorites like “Silent Night” and “Little Drummer Boy.”

“We wanted to give the audience a way to experience the great holiday music they love but with the unexpected twists that Percussion Things brings,” says Len Barnett. “And we’re very proud to bring Margo Rey back home to Dallas as our special guest, and introduce her to new fans in Irving.”

ICTN’s award-winning TV personality Cathy Whiteman will be onstage for a special section of the concert that pays homage to African-American poet Langston Hughes. Whiteman’s performance is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Jackie Mae Townsell, founder of the Irving Black Arts Council.

This is holiday music… to the beat of a different drummer.  Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 day of show.

Box Office
Phone: (972) 252-2787 (ARTS)
Hours: Noon to 5PM, Tuesday through Saturday

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December 1 @ 7:30 pm |$15 – $20| Buy Tickets

Dupree Theater - Irving Arts Center

3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, Texas 75062

(972) 252-7558