A Cappella Christmas Holiday Jazz Extravaganza
11/12/25The Cappella Christmas Holiday Jazz Extravaganza is coming to town! The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Greg Balfany, will present two evenings of holiday cheer on Dec. 11 and 12 at the Cappella Performing Arts Center.
"Audiences can look forward to a lively blend of classic and contemporary holiday music, with arrangements from musical legends such as Johnny Mathis, Bette Midler, Stan Kenton, Count Basie, Gordon Goodwin and Peter Iliach Tchaikowski," Balfany says.
Minneapolis vocalist Debbie O’Keefe will be featured in crowd-pleasing favorites and new interpretations, including “Caroling Caroling” and “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” Tim Henke joins for a charming duet medley of “Let It Snow” and “Winter Wonderland.” The program will also showcase the Jazz Orchestra’s fresh takes on “Ding Dong Merrily,” “White Christmas,” and Count Basie’s version of “Jingle Bells.”
Standout solos from Jeff Erickson, Jon Schipper, Jon Ailabouni, and George Vonarx, backed by the powerhouse rhythm section and special guest pianist Tyler Lustek, promise an evening of unforgettable music, Balfany says.
The concerts start at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 and Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at the Cappella Performing Arts Center, 721 King St., La Crosse. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are available online or in person at the Cappella Performing Arts Center.
ABOUT THE BAND
The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra is the premier big band of western Wisconsin. Under the direction of Greg Balfany, the ensemble is best known for its long-running Jazz in the Park concert series. The LJO is committed to preserving and promoting the art of jazz through high-quality public performances. The group operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the La Crosse Community Nonprofits Association, an affiliate program of the La Crosse Area Community Foundation.