While folks might not be able to catch A Charlie Brown Christmas on TV this year due to licensing rights, thanks to a Nanaimo jazz pianist, they can still enjoy the soundtrack live and in-person.
For the third year, Patrick Courtin will present a concert based on the classic 1965 animated holiday special featuring the movie’s entire soundtrack, as well as Courtin’s jazzy and playful takes on other seasonal standards.
The Patrick Courtin Trio of Courtin on piano, Drake Shoemaker on upright bass and Adam Robertson on drums, will don cozy Christmas sweaters and perform the instrumental music of jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi’s eighth studio album.
Courtin said he loves doing the annual concert because it combines the music that he loves to play with the nostalgia that people seem to crave this time of year.
“It even has an appeal beyond its nostalgia that young kids who’ve never seen the Charlie Brown Christmas special before love it for the music,” he said. “The thing that really strikes me the most about this music is its amazing universal appeal… and it’s a testament to Vince Guaraldi as a composer and as a pianist and bandleader.”
Although the pianist said he prepared a more scaled-down show compared to past years, and there will only be a single performance in Nanaimo, the concert will still have decorations on stage with the trio, hot apple cider, and opportunities for sing-alongs. Looking forward, Courtin said he plans to keep up the annual tradition, and is even considering expanding with a youth choir.
Charlie Brown Christmas with the Patrick Courtin Trio takes place at the Unitarian Hall, 595 Townsite Rd., on Thursday, Dec. 22, from 7-9 p.m.
Tickets are priced online at www.eventbrite.ca for $20 general admission, and free admission for children 18 years and younger. Cash-only admission at the door while space available.
mandy.moraes@nanaimobulletin.com
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