The Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra and featured artist Courtney Burton will present two holiday concerts for listening enjoyment. The first concert, Wishing You a Swinging Holiday: An Evening with Ella, will be held at 7 p.m., on December 22, at Brianno’s Chart House, in Lakeville.

"I am so excited to debut a holiday show honoring the musical legacy of Ella Fitzgerald,” shares Burton. “The show gives the audience a sampling of her famous "songbook" series, along with traditional holiday songs performed in classic big band style." Included are a variety of Fitzgerald’s repertoire, such as Somethings Got to Give, It's All Right with Me, Skylark and Too Darn Hot, along with her swinging versions of holiday favorites.

The second show is for those that want to ring in the New Year in style. The Great American Songbook: Relive the Golden Age with the Gershwin Songbook takes place at 7 p.m., on December 31, at Ive’s Auditorium, Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, in Bloomington, and is a New Year’s Eve tradition. This year’s all-new show pays tribute to the Gershwin brothers and their contributions to American music, and includes time-honored classics such as I've Got Rhythm, S'Wonderful, Love is Here to Stay  and I've Got a Crush on You.

"This show pays tribute to the vast body of work for the Gershwin brothers,” says Burton. “The music celebrates their collaborations from 1924 until 1937. While researching this show, I loved learning about what was happening in our country when each song was written. I was so enthralled with the history, I added to the show's commentary."

Both shows feature a touch of comic relief and a bit of audience participation added to the music of the nine-piece Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra and Burton’s smooth, soulful vocals, creating overall a not-to-be missed holiday experience.

Wishing You a Swinging Holiday - Cost: $25. Location: The Brianno’s Chart House, 11287 Klamath Trail, Lakeville. Doors open 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit ChartHouseLive.MickSterlingPresents.com. 

The Great American Songbook - Cost: $34 and up. Location: Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, 11411 Masonic Home Dr., Bloomington. For more information, visit MasonicHeritageCenter.org/events.

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