Fans of Jim Brickman have reason to celebrate this holiday season as he performs “A Joyful Christmas” as part of the Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) 2018-2019 Performing Arts Series. His uplifting show will be presented at the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) Theater Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. A limited number of tickets are still available at tickets.occc.edu or at the OCCC Box Office.
“A Joyful Christmas†is Brickman’s 22nd annual holiday tour. The performance blends Yuletide classics with his popular songs like “The Gift,” “Sending You a Little Christmas,” “Angel Eyes,” and “If You Believe.”
Brickman’s distinctive piano style and captivating live performances have revolutionized the popularity of instrumental music, making him a driving force behind modern American music. The hit-making songwriter is the best-selling solo pianist of our time earning 21 No. 1 albums and 32 Top 20 Radio Singles. He has garnered two Grammy nominations, gospel music’s Dove Award, two SESAC Songwriter of the Year Awards, and the Canadian Country Music Award. He also has a music scholarship named for him by his alma mater, the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music.
Born and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio, he began his music training at the age of five. However, Brickman would not conform to the rudimentary regulations of piano lessons. That did not discourage the tenacious pianist from creating his own unique brand of musical storytelling.
Brickman is one of pop music’s most fascinating success stories. He jumped from a career as a jingle writer of famous tunes for advertising to reviving the romantic standard of the popular song. His star-studded vocal collaborations have crossed genres to feature luminaries like Martina McBride, Carly Simon, Lady Antebellum, Michael W. Smith, Herb Alpert, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Loggins, Jane Krakowski and a host of country, R&B, Broadway, pop and jazz musicians.
He has written three best-selling books, starred in four TV concert specials, and is in the 20th season of hosting the popular syndicated radio show: The Jim Brickman Show.
To purchase tickets, visit tickets.occc.edu or call the OCCC Cultural Programs Box Office at 405-682-7579. Ticket prices range from $26-$45 for adults. Tickets for children 17 and under are $17.50. Group rates are available by calling the Box Office. This performance is presented by the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation and sponsored in part by Tinker Federal Credit Union.
OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students annually. The college is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 60 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.
