Once upon a time, in a version of St. Petersburg that seems so far away, a young guitarist names Nathanial pitched a Christmas jazz show to a woman named Dar, then the executive director of a struggling music venue called The Palladium. Nathaniel, known as Nate, promised the show would include selections from a jazz version of the Nutcracker by Duke Ellington.

Dar, a very wise woman, looked at the skinny guitarist, then sporting a full head of jet-black hair, and said “Yes.”

It was a good decision.

Now 14 years later, the Palladium is no longer struggling, Dar has retired to the bridge table, the guitarist went on play top jazz clubs around the U.S. and Europe (while losing a lot of hair), and his annual Christmas jazz concert has become a high point of the Palladium season.

While a certain virus – which will not be named in this blog – has temporarily disrupted live shows at the Palladium, Nate Najar’s Jazz Holiday, is back and will stream this Friday-Sunday. Since it’s streaming live, you don’t have to worry about what to wear or where to park. You can enjoy a brand-new version of Nate’s holiday concert in your pajamas at home!

This year’s version will be shot with four cameras will feature the excellent sound you’d expect from an in-person Palladium concert.  It will look and sound almost as good as the real thing.

Nate’s is bringing a great band with him that includes James Suggs on trumpet, Joe Porter, bass, Jean Bolduc, drums, and, wearing a glittering gold ball gown you’ll never forget, the lovely Brazilian singer, Daniela Soledade.  Daniela just released her samba version of My Favorite Things on video. Here’s a link.

But there are even more stars shining on our stage for this concert. Nate connected with world-class cellist, Yves Dharamraj, who is quarantining in our area, and will include him in his performance.

Also on the bill is my favorite New York band-leader and Arbors Records recording artist, Adrian Cunningham. If you’re not familiar with this Australian native, you haven’t been paying attention. He swings the clarinet and sax as well as anyone in the world, he sings like a ‘50s vocal star, and my wife says “he’s sexy!”

I would hate him if he wasn’t such a nice guy.

Our streaming partner, Mandolin, makes linking up to this livestream show very easy. The show begins streaming this Friday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. and you can watch it anytime for the next 48 hours.

All you need a ticket and you can get yours by following this link to our box office.

Nate’s 14^th annual Jazz Holiday concert is our bright and shiny gift to you during this dark times. I hope you’ll unwrap it and enjoy.

– Paul Wilborn