Everybody’s busy during the holidays, I get it, and live music isn’t at the top of everyone’s list of priorities. But why?
For starters, we’re all inundated by holiday and Christmas music from the moment Thanksgiving ends. Stereo systems blare generations of “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night,” from Elvis’ iconic interpretations to Ariana Grande’s dance club renditions. These songs are piped in at every shopping mall and department store, some radio stations even transform into holiday music only for the season.
When our collective musical cups are filled to the brim, it’s easy to feel satisfied. But I’m here to tell you, friends, it’s a false satisfaction. There’s a reason why rosy-cheeked carolers, church choirs, and Santa-hat-wearing bands are all evocative of the holiday season: The holidays are filled with music, and it’s all about sharing it together.
That’s why I challenge locals to make time this holiday season to enjoy some live music. It doesn’t have to be a bunch of extra work, either.
It could be as easy as visiting Presqu’ile Winery on Dec. 14 for a tasting, when Jineanne Coderre will perform live from 4 to 6 p.m. Coderre is known locally for her jazzy and R&B-inspired sound, and is sure to throw in a couple holiday songs.
In fact, Coderre is just as idealistic about holiday music as I am.
“Christmas, one of my favorite times of the year, just wouldn’t be complete without music,” Coderre wrote in a Facebook post about the upcoming show. “It brings out the big kid in me, memories of my siblings, my late grandparents, and my parents singing Christmas carols. So, gotta keep the memories and traditions alive through music, family, and friends.”
Heading to a winery to enjoy a tasting and some live music is perfect for when family is in town visiting for the holidays. Live music is special, and taking it in together spreads the gift of enjoyment. It’s a gift to the musicians too, who always appreciate an audience.
I should know, I’m one of them!
The Santa Maria Town Center has scheduled two piano players (myself included) to play the grand piano in front of Macy’s on Fridays and Saturdays now through Christmas. Flanked by towering, sparkling trees, you can find me there in the evening hours playing favorite carols, classic tunes, and my own jazzy arrangements of standards on the 100-year-old piano.
People rush by on their way to this store or that, but I always appreciate the families, couples, or individuals who stop to sit and listen. It’s a nice break from the fast-paced holiday shopping for anyone who stops to enjoy. There’s no such thing as “background music,” just music people choose to ignore, so it’s always appreciated when a crowd gathers and is generous with the applause.
And trust me, the closer we get to Christmas, the more grueling it can get for musicians. Don’t get me wrong, we love to perform, but playing those same songs over and over can grate a bit. That’s why an appreciative audience means so much. They don’t care how many times you’ve played “Linus and Lucy,” they just want to hear it!
But sometimes you’re just not in the mood for holiday music. Maybe you want to escape those same songs as much as we musicians do the closer we get to New Year’s. Well, there’s place to go for that too.
The Maverick Saloon is beloved in Santa Ynez Valley for always scheduling honky-tonk and country bands around the weekend. For instance, this weekend includes Phantom Pumps (Dec. 13) and the Moonridge Band (Dec. 15) in the evening and Steve & Regs at noon on Dec. 16.
While each of these groups might throw in a twangin’ Christmas tune here and there, you can also count on them to play the classic country The Maverick is known for. If line dancing is more your speed than decking the halls, that’s the place to go.
And maybe, you don’t care if music comes from a living musician. And while I may say, “Bah humbug!” to that, I won’t begrudge all the DJ and EDM fans who want to get out of the house during the holidays.
If you didn’t know, Rancho Bowl in Santa Maria offers live DJ performances most nights of the week. On Dec. 15, a traveling artist from Sonoma, DJ Cal, will headline the evening at Rancho Bowl. Local artist DJ Phase will open the show.
No matter how you take your music this time of year, don’t forget to share it with the people you love. We make memories worth cherishing every year, and they deserve a good soundtrack.
Managing Editor Joe Payne doesn’t ever get tired of playing “Santa Baby.” Contact him at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 13-20, 2018.