Mannheim Steamroller Rolls Out Christmas Tour

It’s never to early to talk Christmas when you’re Mannheim Steamroller creator Chip Davis.

Davis, who created the ensemble known for blending classical music, light jazz and, eventually Christmas songs, announced plans for the annual outing, saying two groups will bring the Steamroller to all far and near.

Photo: Anna C. Jones
BJCC Concert Hall, Birmingham, Ala.

As with all Mannheim Steamroller Christmas outings, expect plenty of holiday music along with a state of the art extravaganza including light shows, gigantic screens and videos.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas tour. Although Davis founded Mannheim Steamroller in 1974, he didn’t release the first Christmas album until 10 years later, followed by Steamroller’s first holiday tour in 1985.

But not everyone was on board when it came to that first Christmas record, a little effort that went platinum several times over.

“Everyone told me it would be a mistake to make a Christmas album,” Davis said. “But I went ahead and did it on my own.”

This year’s tour, consisting of East Coast and West Coast touring ensembles, begins Nov. 11 in Gainesville, Fla., and Greeley, Colo. Other cities include Kearney, Neb., Jacksonville, Fla., Mobile, Ala., Columbus, Ga., New Orleans, Little Rock, Athens, Ga., Jackson, Miss., and Charlotte, N.C. But that’s just the short list. You really need to look at the complete schedule to appreciate just how many dates are covered on this excursion.

Ticket onsales will be announced soon. For more information, click here for the Mannheim Steamroller website.