Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra presents The Nutcracker, Ellington & Elf!

On Thursday, December 19th, the WJO is getting a little nuts this Christmas with their rendition of the Duke’s classic Nutcracker Suite! If Sugar Rum Cherries and Waltzing Floreadores weren’t enough, our second act features Buddy the Elf as he journeys from the North Pole to New York City to a very swinging’ soundtrack! Featuring special guests, comedian Quinn Greene and dancer Calantha Jensen, this concert will be sure to send your Christmas spirit soaring!

First up on the roster this evening, Winnipeg's boldest big band is taking on Ellington's rambunctious re-imagining of Tchaikovsky's time-honoured classic, The Nutcracker Suite. Blending The Nutcracker's classical themes with the smooth, silky cadence of jazz, along with the Duke's signature style, this album came to be recognized as one of Ellington's most important albums of the 1960s. This Christmas, the WJO will have you tapping your toes and basking in the cool glow of classical hits turned on their heads such as 'Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy)” and "Danse of the Floreadores (Waltz of the Flowers)".

Then, Quinn and Calantha will have you on the floor, both giggling and boogying, as they adapt the modern classic 'Elf' into a stupendously silly stage show! Buddy the Elf stole our hearts in 2003 with the release of this hit film, and now you can share in his adventure from the North Pole to New York City with this new spin on his whimsical journey. Buddy's sugar-fuelled, infectious Christmas spirit will be sure to have you and your whole family laughing and loving the holiday season. All to a swingin' soundtrack provided by Santa's fav cool Christmas cats, the WJO!

With something for the whole family, you won't want to miss this fusion of jazz, dance, comedy, and cool this Christmas season!