“An Afro Blue Christmas” and a “Jazz Piano Christmas” on tonight’s “Evening Concert”

Tonight on WILL-FM 90.9 Prairie Performances is pre-empted so we can bring you a special Evening Concert of two holiday programs. Starting at 7:00 it’s “An Afro Blue Christmas” with Howard University’s première a capella group “Afro Blue” singing holiday songs. At 8:00 it’s a “Jazz Piano Christmas” featuring pianist Cyrus Chestnut.

Friday December 19:  

Holiday Specials (Prairie Performances pre-empted; returns Jan. 2)

An Afro Blue Christmas (New, from NPR)

Hosted by Michele Norris. The a-cappela group Afro Blue (Howard University's premiere vocal ensemble) and special guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut perform a variety of holiday songs including African-American spirituals, jazz and pop tunes, and classical repertoire.

"Christmas Time Is Here"
"O Come, O Come Emanuel"
"Angels We Have Heard On High"
"Silent Night"
"Calypso Carol"
"Someday At Christmas"
"A Child Is Born"
"Carol Of The Bells"
"Christmas Present Blues"
"That Is Love"
"Will We Know Him"

Jazz Piano Christmas XXV

Hosted by Felix Contreras, NPR Music brings you another great concert from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Pianists Cyrus Chestnut, Kris Davis, Lynne Arriale and The "Master" Harold Maybern take the stage to perform their favorite holiday songs.