ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Grammy-nominated pianist Jim Brickman is returning to Rochester this season with a refreshed holiday tour he says blends nostalgia, family tradition and interactive fun.
Brickman, who has made annual stops in Rochester for years, said the city has become a “tradition” of its own: one filled with multigenerational families who return each December.
“It’s like seeing an old friend,” Brickman said. “So many families and multi-generations come. It’s so good to see everybody every year.”
This year’s performance features two special guests: guitarist Luke McMaster and vocalist Anne Cochran, both longtime collaborators. Brickman describes the show as an old-fashioned holiday special where guests weave on and off stage “like they just got up and sang at a party in my living room.”
Interactive moments for fans
Brickman is adding a new element for audiences this year: a live sing-along of “White Christmas.” He records the crowd’s performance each night and emails the audio to attendees as a thank-you gift.
“It’s really interactive,” he said. “They get to record with me, which is always a good time.”
The show also includes a “live by request” segment, where Brickman plays audience favorites on the spot.
Hits, hymns and the “happy songs” of the season
With decades of holiday touring and more than 20 No. 1 albums, Brickman said his approach to performing has grown more effortless. He gravitates toward what he calls the “happy songs of Christmas.” Pieces like “Sleigh Ride,” “Winter Wonderland” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
He also incorporates his own well-known Christmas hits, including “The Gift,” “Simple Things,” “Coming Home for Christmas” and “Sending You a Little Christmas.”
“I love the sacred songs,” Brickman said. “But the joyful, happy winter songs just sound like the season.”
A show built on storytelling
Brickman’s concerts often include behind-the-scenes stories and memories. This year, he’s added a “Misfit Medley,” inspired by beloved underdog characters from Rudolph to Kermit the Frog, using their stories to reflect on resilience and joy.
“I don’t tell jokes,” he said. “It’s relatable things, stories people can connect to.”
Brickman says returning to Rochester’s historic theater setting adds to the nostalgia.
“The theater is as much the experience as the show,” he said. “People almost go back in time.”
A holiday “warm hug”
Fans often describe his concerts as a “warm hug,” a sentiment Brickman fully embraces.
“I want people to escape for a couple hours,” he said. “Laugh, maybe have some happy tears, and leave thinking, ‘That was great. I didn’t expect it to be that way.’”
Brickman said he looks forward to seeing Rochester’s audiences again, and hopes they secure their seats soon.
“It’s going to come sooner than you think,” he said. “Let’s get some good tickets so I can see you there.”
Jim Brickman comes to the West Herr Auditorium Theatre on December 19. Tickets are on sale now. News 8’s Gio Battaglia’s full conversation with Brickman airs on “Behind the Curtain” Friday at 9 p.m. — available on the RochesterFirst streaming app, available for download to your smart TV.
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