HFC musicians featured in “Karen Newman’s Christmas Spectacular” Dec. 13
The Henry Ford College Big Band and the HFC Blue Fusion vocal jazz ensemble join renowned singer Karen Newman – the voice of the Detroit Red Wings – for the third annual “Karen Newman’s Christmas Spectacular” on Friday, Dec. 13, at 8:00 p.m.
This holiday concert will be held at the Michael A. Guido Theater in the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn.
“I’m looking forward to it. This is my favorite performance of the year,” said Newman. “The combined performance with the Big Band and Blue Fusion is becoming an outstanding ritual.”
Proceeds donated to autism research
Some of the proceeds from the concert will go to the Ted Lindsay Foundation for Autism in Troy. The Foundation was established in 2001 by the late Lindsay, alias “Terrible Ted,” a forward for the Red Wings and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Its mission is to support research and educational programs focusing on the cause and management of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $3 million.
“Karen and I are overjoyed to contribute to the Ted Lindsay Foundation for Autism this year. It’s a remarkable organization, and it’s for a good cause,” said Rick Goward, founder and director of the HFC Big Band.
Newman's favorite performance of the year
This is Newman’s third year performing a holiday concert in Dearborn with HFC musicians. Newman plans to sing many classic holiday songs in an up-tempo, contemporary style.
It wouldn’t be a Newman holiday concert without her performing her trademark song “Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue," a song about celebrating Christmas in Detroit. This song became famous in 1999 and has been a regional staple during the holiday season. In fact, this song inspired Newman’s holiday concert, which she’s been performing all over the Metro Detroit area, including the historic Fox Theatre on Woodward Avenue for 20 years.
Called the “Red Wings’ Own,” Newman has been singing the national anthem at Red Wings home games for more than 30 years. She’s toured alongside renowned rock star Bob Seger, who has Detroit roots, and has contributed her vocal talents to numerous local and national commercial ad campaigns.
“The Christmas Spectacular promises to be the premier event of the holiday season with Karen Newman performing traditional songs of the season with her modern, uplifting arrangements, backed by the powerful sounds of HFC’s celebrated Blue Fusion vocal group and the award-winning instrumentals of the Henry Ford Big Band,” said Goward.
“It is so much fun for our musicians to play for a large crowd"
Award-winning members performing in this concert include young professional musicians, music educators, and traditional-aged music students who enroll at HFC to continue their performance opportunities.
“It is so much fun for our musicians to play for a large crowd and to back up Karen on vocals. This show gets better every year – and I love it!” said Goward.
Individual tickets are $25, $35, and $45 each (service fees will apply). Box office fees and online ticket order fees are additional. Tickets are available for purchase by calling 313-943-2354 or visiting www.dearborntheater.com. For discounted group rates (eight or more) or for questions or further information, contact Goward at rgoward@hfcc.edu.