Upcoming Holiday Performances at the Carpenter Center

Celebrate the season with an exciting lineup of holiday performances at the Carpenter Center on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. From lively cross-cultural music and jazzy tributes to cherished holiday tunes, to bold contemporary dance and Broadway-inspired cheer, the Carpenter’s December calendar is packed with joyous experiences for all ages.

CREDIT: City of Long Beach

JARABE MEXICANO

Dec. 5

Get ready for a festive night on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m., when the exciting border band Jarabe Mexicano brings their “Bordeño Soul Christmas” to the Carpenter Center. With an irresistible mix of upbeat cumbia, spirited rock & roll, Mexican folk and Tex-Mex, layered with harmonized vocals in Spanish and English, the show is a joyous cross-cultural celebration of the season, full of rhythm, heart and holiday cheer.

DAVID BENOIT, A TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

Dec. 6

No doubt one of Carpenter Center’s most anticipated events each year is when Grammy nominated jazz pianist David Benoit brings the beloved holiday tunes from A Charlie Brown Christmas–featuring music by Vince Guaraldi–to life. Joined by vocalist Courtney Fortune and the All‑American Boys Chorus, this heart-warming evening on Dec. 6 will present the jazzy classics that have come to define the holidays for many and will set the perfect festive tone.

A.I.M. BY KYLE ABRAHAM

Dec. 13

Dance lovers will want to share a bold evening of contemporary movement, Dec. 13, as A.I.M by Kyle Abraham returns with monument-making choreography by its founder Kyle Abraham alongside a new co-commissioned work by dancer-choreographer Jermaine Spivey. The evening’s program features Spivey’s In the act of undoing, plus the evocative repertory pieces The Gettin’ and Dearest Home.

A BROADWAY HOLIDAY WITH DAVID BURNHAM

Dec. 17-18

Celebrate the season, Dec. 17-18, with Broadway star and acclaimed vocalist David Burnham in a nostalgic, cabaret-style evening of holiday magic. Featuring festive favorites from Broadway, film and television, including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “O Holy Night,” Burnham shares heart-warming tales of Christmases past and delivers the full spirit of the season. This joyful event is also available with buffet dinner.

About the Author
Steve Lowery
Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.
Related Content: