byronstripling

byronstripling

Image courtesy of Long Beach Symphony

The Long Beach Symphony has a plan to get even the grinchiest of the grouchiest holiday pouters into a festive mood. Grab your Santa hat and flowing beard and head to the Long Beach Arena on December 19 at 8:00PM for a spirited evening of fun and holiday music made more memorable than ever by the jazzy sounds of the Byron Stripling Trio and conductor Damon Gupton.

“Our Holiday Swing Party, with tables of 10, picnicking, and community traditions is the perfect setting for a Holiday celebration,” said Kelly Ruggirello, Long Beach Symphony’s executive director, in a statement. “We hope that this year’s concert is a beginning of a wonderful new tradition for our residents.”

Expect jaunty trumpet playing, lively songs to sing-along to and contagious swing dancing tunes as Stripling brings his unique abilities to favorites like “White Christmas,” “What a Wonderful World,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town and more.” All ages and parties of all sizes are welcome to attend.

The Atlanta-born trumpet player has shared the spotlight with the talented likes of Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as with more than 50 different symphony and pops orchestras including the Boston Pops under the direction of Keith Lockhart and John Williams, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, according to the release. Byron upholds an extroverted stage presence and is known for bringing his audience into the music.

“The happiness that he exudes through his trumpet, his vocals and his words is reminiscent of Louis Armstrong, yet very much his own,” the Long Beach Symphony stated in a release. Stripling is also the artistic director of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, leader of his own quartet and is in constant demand to play with other pops orchestras, not just in the states, but across the globe.

The holiday POPS! party is a new endeavor for the Symphony, according to the announcement, and is a great place to host an office holiday party or a special gathering of neighbors, friends, family or co-workers. Doors open at 6:30PM to allow time for dining and mingling; the concert begins at 8:00PM.

The POPS! Series is sponsored, in part, by Farmers & Merchants Bank with additional support for this concert from Valero Energy. Concert tickets start at $20. The Symphony is offering a group discount for tables of 10. To purchase tickets online, click here or call 562.436.3203.

The Long Beach Arena is located at 300 East Ocean Boulevard.

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Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].