Grammy award winning concert slated for Dec. 8
The Holland Theatre’s curtain will rise this evening with legendary singer-songwriter Judy Collins, the first ticketed show for the theater this year following a $1.6 million renovation and restoration project.
Following in Collins’ footsteps, another superstar will be performing at the historic theater in December, as theater representatives announced this week that five-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter-producer CeeLo Green will present a concert for his Holiday Hits Tour at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, putting his creative spin on favorite Christmas songs.
The social media announcements and other online concert details released by the theater this week have elicited an enthusiastic response by local residents, Holland Theatre managing director Chris Westhoff said.
“People are excited that someone with the degree of limelight and talent is coming to town. Friends have sent text messages asking if it’s a joke. And we can assure them this is most definitely happening.”
With the wide array of improvements made to the theater through the project — ranging from decorative finish contractors bringing to life the Dutch cityscape inside the auditorium, to new seating, restored lobby and concessions area, enhanced sound and lighting and other modern amenities, the opportunity for the 127 E. Columbus Ave. space to host acts like CeeLo Green and Judy Collins and other prestigious names have been made a possibility.
“As we enter in to this next stage of presenting high-caliber acts, I receive more and more inquiries about dates and routings — with an increasingly diverse mix of performers,” Westhoff said. “Quite simply, I thought it was a fun notion to present this show.
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When the idea to host CeeLo Green was floated, Westhoff said he at first was uncertain about the financial feasability of the booking.
“Financially, I was hesitant. But four brave and visionary sponsors stepped up to the plate though to back this show. They are Small Nation, Citizen’s Federal Savings and Loan, 600 Downtown and Brewfontaine. We’re really grateful for their leadership in this regard.
“Lastly, just like CeeLo’s classic hit with Gnarles Barkley says, ‘Maybe I’m Crazy…’”
Green’s 2011 song, “Forget You” received five Grammy nominations and won “Best Urban/Alternative Performance.”
In 2012, he released his first Christmas album, CeeLo’s Magic Moment, featuring the single, “All I Need is Love” with The Muppets. The album was then nominated for a Grammy.
Off the stage, fans also know the star from his four seasons on NBC’s hit show The Voice alongside fellow judges Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.
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In conjunction with the Dec. 8 concert, a special day of local shopping and eats is planned with a Holiday with the Shop Hop Passport event.
“We’re promoting this show as part of a larger event here in Logan County, inviting concert goers to Bellefontaine for a special day of shopping, eating and exploring the small-town gem that is our town,” the theater director said.
“Local businesses will be celebrating the Holiday with the Shop Hop Passport event – special savings and items offered through out the beautifully restored downtown. We’re hoping that the draw of this show creates further intrigue and sales for all here in town.”
Also, the theater is offering a special December ticket package, “Holland Holiday Hits.” For $99, ticket package buyers get one ticket to each of the four December shows. Only 50 of these tickets will be sold, and they go on sale Oct. 30, available through the theater’s box office.
The other December concerts are: Sam Bartlett and friends’ Back Stage Show at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6; The DePue Brothers present, A Magical Grassical Christmas, with local youth participation at 7 p.m. Dec. 12; and Xylouris White from Greece performs at 7 p.m. Dec. 18.
“It’s an eccentric month to say the least,” Westhoff said.
Tickets for CeeLo Green’s Holiday Hits concert are $35 to $70 and are available at www.thehollandtheatre.org.