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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Brickman, who has made annual stops in Rochester for years, said the city has become a \u201ctradition\u201d of its own: one filled with multigenerational families who return each December.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like seeing an old friend,\u201d Brickman said. \u201cSo many families and multi-generations come. It\u2019s so good to see everybody every year.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s 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 \u201clike they just got up and sang at a party in my living room.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brickman is adding a new element for audiences this year: a live sing-along of \u201cWhite Christmas.\u201d He records the crowd\u2019s performance each night and emails the audio to attendees as a thank-you gift.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really interactive,\u201d he said. \u201cThey get to record with me, which is always a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The show also includes a \u201clive by request\u201d segment, where Brickman plays audience favorites on the spot.<\/p>\n
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 \u201chappy songs of Christmas.\u201d Pieces like \u201cSleigh Ride,\u201d \u201cWinter Wonderland\u201d and \u201cIt\u2019s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also incorporates his own well-known Christmas hits, including \u201cThe Gift,\u201d \u201cSimple Things,\u201d \u201cComing Home for Christmas\u201d and \u201cSending You a Little Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love the sacred songs,\u201d Brickman said. \u201cBut the joyful, happy winter songs just sound like the season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brickman\u2019s concerts often include behind-the-scenes stories and memories. This year, he\u2019s added a \u201cMisfit Medley,\u201d inspired by beloved underdog characters from Rudolph to Kermit the Frog, using their stories to reflect on resilience and joy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t tell jokes,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s relatable things, stories people can connect to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brickman says returning to Rochester\u2019s historic theater setting adds to the nostalgia.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe theater is as much the experience as the show,\u201d he said. \u201cPeople almost go back in time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fans often describe his concerts as a \u201cwarm hug,\u201d a sentiment Brickman fully embraces.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want people to escape for a couple hours,\u201d he said. \u201cLaugh, maybe have some happy tears, and leave thinking, \u2018That was great. I didn\u2019t expect it to be that way.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Brickman said he looks forward to seeing Rochester\u2019s audiences again, and hopes they secure their seats soon.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to come sooner than you think,\u201d he said. \u201cLet\u2019s get some good tickets so I can see you there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim Brickman comes to the West Herr Auditorium Theatre on December 19. Tickets are on sale now. News 8\u2019s Gio Battaglia\u2019s full conversation with Brickman airs on \u201cBehind the Curtain\u201d Friday at 9 p.m. \u2014 available on the RochesterFirst streaming app, available for download to your smart TV.<\/p>\n
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