Christmas Concert 2001 December 16th, 2001

Christmas music may bring back merry cheer and fond memories for some while cynics might cringe hearing the music as nothing more than tired, formulaic, inane arrangements. Good holiday music may be seen in the eye of the beholder. Music for the traditionalist... sacred and reverential; music for the kiddies... familiar poppy jingles; music for the current trends... country, pop, dance, and hip-hop lovers. What about music for grownups? "A Joyful Noise" offers the perfect anecdote. Music with real compelling intimacy and a whole lotta spice, verve, and oh yes, sex appeal.

St. Joan of Arc's "All Star" concert series kicked off Sunday evening with this especially intimate Christmas cabaret that featured the extraordinary talents of Mary Jane Alm and Gwen Matthews on vocals, Pat Frederick on vocals, violin and mandolin, Boyd Lee on vocals and guitar, and Dan Chouinard on piano and accordion. Host Chouinard put together this festive cabaret from the troupe's sold out appearances these past two years at the Bean & Wine Cafe in Excelsior.

This festive two hour show opened with touching charm and mighty talent as two young girls introduced "The Little Drummer Boy." Making an auspicious singing debut, Hannah Frederick (Mary Jane and Patrick's own daughter) and Chelsea Hall (Gwen's young niece) sung the first verse of this familiar carol as their elder relatives looked on approvingly. Gwen and Mary Jane continued the song with a bonding chemistry as only life long friends could do. Boyd Lee joined in with the two women on "I Pray on Christmas" making this honky tonk Gospel feel good number an anecdote for "anyone to get through another day."

Gwen sung a lively slow Gospel version of "Joy To the World" as a wishful prayer of unity. Boyd had some good jocular fun singing stories about a flying Santa Claus with "Happy Ho Ho Ho To You" as Chouinard tickled the ivories on this musical sleigh ride. Boyd then slowed things down with his winning take on "The Christmas Song." A direct and somber Mary Jane did a poignant take on David Foster's "Grownup Christmas List" recently covered on Barbra Streisand's new release. Unfortunately the arrangement to "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas" was too rushed coming off muddy and cluttered, though Gwen could still sell it.

Donning a Santa Claus cap, Boyd brought some real sex appeal to "Santa Claus Wants Some Loving" with an intro illuminating "a man's needs" as the others chimed in with "too much information." Chouinard got into this naughty spirit with a rousing Ray Charles-like turn on the organ. Mary Jane, Gwen, and Boyd (also with guitar) sung the acoustic version of "Deck the Halls" but it was Pat and Dan who stole the number by miming the "fa la la's" with sock puppets. The first act closed with Gwen, convincing as ever, gesturing to herself while announcing "I've got your Christmas present right here, baby" with the fabulously arousing number "Holiday Love." Gwen and Boyd really worked this duet for all its worth.

The second set opened with the ballad "Christmas Time Is Here," familiar to fans of Charles Schultz’s Peanuts Christmas special. Hannah and Chelsea gorgeously sung the first verse while Gwen took over with the telling lyrics "If only we could see such spirit through the year."

Christmas is a time to appreciate what is most important for mankind. "Doesn't matter if there is stockings on the wall. What matters is there is peace on earth." Lyrics like these complimented Boyd's singing and guitar playing so beautifully on the tune "Jingle Bell Jamboree". Pat Frederick's fiddle and Chouinard's accordion accompaniment made this number a true highlight of the evening. Mary Jane took on the breathtaking challenge of covering Barbra Streisand's quirky up-tempo jazz version of "Jingle Bells" with impressive aplomb. And Mary Jane has gossipy fun "girlfriend conversation" with Gwen while introducing "Baby It's Cold Outside," a number Boyd and Gwen take turns teasing each other with.

Only as a couple in love can, Mary Jane and husband Patrick got chummy singing "The Gift." Pat provided dazzling charm and Chouinard a stirring piano solo with "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Innuendo and word play were the secret behind the clever success of "(Let's Make a) Baby King," a playful gospel romp with Mary Jane, Gwen, and Boyd.

Michael Reinbold is a professional photographer and banquet caterer with an extensive theatre background in acting, writing, and directing. He loves all aspects of the arts, staying fit, and helping and inspiring people. A passionate believer in St. Joan of Arc's mission of social justice, Michael is a continuing AIDS Ride participant, Grace House volunteer cook, mass reader, and Joan of Arc choir member. He looks forward to web reporting and photographing for the website.

Nine Hundred Twenty lively audience members gave a standing ovation and joined in while the troupe closed with "Do You Hear What I Hear."

	Peg LaSota is interested in the biographies of parishioners... any suggestions?? She also loves studying piano, recorder, Spanish, and of course...singing in the choir!