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Are you experiencing a severe case of "concert withdrawals"? I certainly am. Fortunately for us, the Colorado Mesa University departments of Theatre and Music offer a number of outstanding "virtual" performances just in time for the holidays.

Imagine enjoying a virtual performance from the CMU string ensembles or a faculty Jazz duo. For that matter, how about performances from the theatre department featuring songs from the American Songbook? It's all coming your way soon.

One of the many perks of a "virtual" concert is the ability to enjoy the performance from your own home. There's something to be said for attending a concert in your sweats with uncombed hair and a three-day beard. The price for goodies at your home "concession stand" will be pretty hard to beat, too.

The Colorado Mesa University Holiday Concert, a fixture in the valley for decades, will be available for streaming December 11, 2020 through Christmas Day. The Holiday Concert features:

  • CMU String Orchestra
  • Vocal Arts Ensemble performing Glow by Eric Whitacre
  • Soprano/Alto Choir
  • Tenor/Bass Choir
  • Percussion Ensemble performing Traditional Hanukah Songs
  • Guitar Ensemble
  • Kamstra/Emmons Jazz Duo with Silent Night & Greensleeves for vibraphone and bass

Next, from the theatre department, enjoy an uplifting collection of inspiring songs from the musical theatre, American Songbook and holiday repertoire. The Jones Cabaret Series production of Songs for a Better Day, emceed by Jeremy Franklin, features CMU students sharing the songs that have "helped them cope with this challenging year."

Proceeds from the Jones Cabaret Series "Songs For a Better Day" support scholarships for majors in the BFA-Music Theatre program. This virtual performance is available for streaming from December 11, 2020, through December 20, 2020.

Please note the different run dates for the different performances. The Holiday Concert will run five days longer than the theatre production.

With these performances, the ticket price is hard to beat. Tickets for CMU students, graduates, the general public, cats and dogs, entire households.... the cost for the stream is $10.

This is an excellent opportunity to catch a few concerts while supporting the arts and students at CMU. It's unfortunate the concerts cannot be offered to the public in the traditional format. That having been said, there is a silver lining to all this. Historically, due to my work schedule, assuming you want to call what I do work, I've often missed the CMU Holiday Concert. Now, with the option of the stream, I'll finally have a chance to catch the show.

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