Positive, richly rhythmic, globally oriented sounds for the season

For 18 years Erin Zindle has been curating an epic annual musical celebration inspired by the themes of the holiday season. Each December, this event is a warm hearted lift-off to the holidays that has become an indispensable tradition for families in the greater Ann Arbor area and far beyond. Zindle, The Ragbirds’ songwriter, lead singer and multi-instrumentalist, produces this gala event with the intention of joyfully interconnecting the performers and audiences of the Michigan music community. A star-studded “house band” along with a horn section, string section and backup singers, lays the foundation for guest vocalists to shine.

This year’s featured artists include avant-garde, folk-soul cellist Jordan Hamilton, gutsy garage-rock singer-songwriter Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, beloved Ann Arbor folk-bender Billy King, looper, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Ki-5, indie folk-rock singer-songwriter Dylan Charles and incendiary Outlaw-Americana duo Ember & Ash (Erin Zindle and Alex Holycross, of The Native Howl)

The show’s strength is its diversity, with a wide range of song styles highlighting the incredibly talented instrumentalists and vocalists within the group. Creative arrangements of original songs, new modern hits, and traditional carols make this show unlike any other - it’s truly “not your mama’s Christmas show”. Master of Ceremonies comedienne Shelly Smith guides listeners through the experience with laughter and good cheer.