For the 13th Christmas Day in a row, jazz musicians and brothers Chuck and Robert Redd will celebrate with their respective families in the morning, and then gather for a big brunch with the entire clan. ‘Round about 2 in the afternoon, the brothers excuse themselves from the revelry to answer the call of the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. “We set up for our sound check and begin rehearsal for our 6 o’clock concert,” Chuck Redd explained. “It’s become a real holiday tradition in Washington — sometimes we get as many as 3,000 people who show up for the concert. It’s part of their day.”
Indeed, the All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam has become a traditional holiday must-see in a town where season’s greetings and decked halls permeate the atmosphere. Vibraphonist and host Chuck Redd, with his brother at the piano, welcome a stellar lineup of beloved District performers. James King on bass and Lenny Robinson at the drums round out the jazzy quartet, which, Redd noted, will be joined by the “fantastic trumpet player, Tom Williams and his wife, the dynamic and wonderful vocalist, Delores King Williams.”
| Onstage |
| All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam |
| Where: Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW |
| When: 6 p.m. Sunday |
| Info: Free; 800-444-1324, 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org |
“The band has developed quite a chemistry from [working] together every year and there’s an element of trust,” he continued. “We feel comfortable with each other; we really all just cut loose at different times and let it fly [and] the audience loves this.”
The evening’s holiday jazz repertoire includes playing the overture from Duke Ellington’s big-band version of “The Nutcracker.” After that great show opener, the band continues with seasonal selections — what Redd refers to as the “tried and true holiday favorites with our own little twist.” A highlight of the show will be Delores King Williams’ very flirtatious version of “Santa Baby.”
Chuck Redd hopes he and his fellow performers will continue spreading musical cheer on every Christmas Day, being as much a part of the yuletide tradition as stockings.
“I would like my fans to know we play jazz that’s very palatable, very melodic and honest,” he said. “I think if they like to smile and snap their fingers, then they’re coming to the right place and that’s what it’s all about.”
