INTERVIEW: Jim Brickman is ready to celebrate the virtual holidays
Photo: Jim Brickman is not taking Christmas off. Instead, he’s presenting a virtual holiday celebration. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by State Theatre with permission.
The celebrated pianist Jim Brickman has loved bringing his Christmas tour around the United States, but during these COVID-19 days, that annual dose of holiday cheer has had to undergo some changes. This year, Brickman will present a virtual holiday celebration, called Comfort & Joy At Home, in support of the many theaters he has worked with over the years. His Saturday, Dec. 12 concert will benefit the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, among other venues in the U.S.
“We tried something similar in July, something that we called Christmas in July, and we tried the whole concept of sending people gifts and doing a Zoom room and making it as intimate as possible,” Brickman said in a recent phone interview. “I wanted to do it to support theaters around the country as a way of giving back and as a way to make it more of a community experience, something that could really support the local community.”
For the event, Brickman wants to mimic the live-music experience, and that means fans should expect interaction, merchandise, a program, a ticket, clapping along, and even a meet and greet. There will also be a beautiful set and solid sound.
“Some people make requests during the day on Facebook,” he said of the setlist. “I think it’s important to play hits always, of course Christmas favorites, some of my Christmas hits. … That sort of impromptu nature of it is what’s fun about it. Every night, no matter where you are, when you’re performing feels different. If I know that there’s a snowstorm that night in town, ‘Hey guys, look outside. Oh my gosh, it’s snowing. Let’s do a version of ‘Let It Snow’ or that kind of thing.’ I make it as local and as community[-based] as possible, the same way it is when you come to the show at the theater.”
Brickman, who is known for his many interpretations of famous Christmas songs, is actually more of a Santa than a Grinch this time of year. He doesn’t simply play the tunes for other people; he enjoys hearing them as well.
“I’ve loved it for years,” the pianist said. “This would have been the 23rd year of the holiday tour, and my music by nature lends itself because it’s similar. It’s inspirational, it’s romantic, it’s melodic, it’s emotional and it’s so nostalgic. Christmas music takes you to a place that is very emotional, memories of it, the people, the trigger of certain songs, so yeah it’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
He conceded the fact that the virtual presentation will be somewhat different than being in a live theater. He called it a “different vibe,” but he has tried to cut down on the disconnect by having an enormous monitor where he’s located, this way he can see the faces of the assembled crowd. He even wants to see the audience’s Christmas decorations.
“I think seeing faces is going to help that quite a bit,” he said. “I’m actually going to be closer to people than I usually am when I’m on stage, and in essence, they’re going to be closer to me than they ever were. I feel like in some ways I’m looking at an opportunity. They’re going to be able to see my hands on the keys as if it’s being projected in the theater.”
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Jim Brickman will present Comfort & Joy at Home Saturday, Dec. 12. Some proceeds will benefit the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Click here for more information and tickets.
