Every time Jim Brickman sits down at the piano to compose, he thinks about the concept he wants to express and voila. Beautiful music springs forth. When Christmas is involved, he cannot refrain from incorporating the holiday spirit. The program he brings to Strathmore marks the 16th season of his Christmas special, an invigorating concert that reaches out to all ages.

“I love to travel at holiday time and spread cheer wherever we go,” he said. “Each show features a favorite guest star. This year it’s Ann Cochran. We grew up together and attended Shaker Heights High School near Cleveland. We had a band in high school and continue to share a light-hearted familiar feeling on stage.”