Mannheim Steamroller Christmas comes to the Kauffman Center Nov. 24 for performances at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. (Magicspace Entertainment; photo ©Sara Hoffman)
Mannheim Steamroller Pulls Into Kansas City Nov. 24, Bringing Holiday Cheer
This year’s performance marks the 35th annual Christmas tour for Mannheim Steamroller’s founder/creator Chip Davis. It’s also the longest running consecutive concert tour in the entertainment industry.
Davis’ first Christmas album came out in 1984 and revolutionized the making and marketing of holiday music. The album’s success made Christmas records a “must do” for music artists.
“Back then, many in the music industry said focusing on Christmas just wouldn’t work,” Davis said. “Now, 35 years later, we are still going strong. I want to thank our fans for making us part of their holiday tradition. Today, we often see multi-generational families join us during the holidays each year.”
With more than 29 million Christmas albums sold, Davis is the number-one selling Christmas artist of all time. Elvis comes in at a distant second, with 17 million holiday records sold.
This year’s show at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will feature the original classic Christmas hits from the first “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting.
Davis is directing and co-producing tour performances with MagicSpace Entertainment, a company headed by Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard and Steve Boulay that has been producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows, concerts and museum exhibits worldwide for decades.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas will be held at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., Nov. 24 at the Kauffman Center. For more information and tickets, 816.994.7222 or www.kauffmancenter.org.
