HFC musicians join “Karen Newman’s Christmas Spectacular” Dec. 7

Photo: Matthew Reeber, Karen Newman, Mohamed Fadlallah at last year's Christmas Spectacular.

The HFC Big Band and the HFC Blue Fusion vocal jazz ensemble join Karen Newman – the voice of the Detroit Red Wings – for “Karen Newman’s Christmas Spectacular” Friday, Dec. 7, at 8:00 p.m. This holiday concert will be held at the Michael A. Guido Theater in the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn.

“We’re happy that Karen has invited us to be a part of her holiday concert. It is an honor and a privilege to accompany her,” said Rick Goward, founder/director of the HFC Big Band.

This is Newman’s second time performing a holiday concert in Dearborn with HFC musicians. Newman plans to sing many classic holiday songs, including “White Christmas,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Silent Night,” “My Favorite Things,” “Grown-Up Christmas List,” and one of her favorite Christmas songs “Mary, Did You Know?”

Of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday concert without Newman performing her trademark song “Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue,” which is about celebrating Christmas in Detroit. This song became famous in 1999 and it’s been a regional staple during the holiday season ever since. The song inspired Newman’s holiday concert, which she’s been performing all over the Metro Detroit area, including the historic Fox Theatre on Woodward Avenue – naturally – for almost 20 years.

“Last year was such a pleasant surprise how well all three groups of musicians blended together,” said Newman. “It was our first attempt blending this music into one show and it was such a success. The audience responded very well to it. It was a pleasure performing with professional musicians and music students alike. We’re putting all of our efforts and love into this one show. It’s not the same show as last year; I like to keep things fresh. There will be new surprises, new songs, new special guests.”

Called the “Red Wings’ Own,” Newman has been singing the National Anthem at Red Wings home games for 30 years. She’s toured alongside the likes of renowned rock stars Kid Rock and Bob Seger – both of whom have Michigan ties – as well as lent her vocal talents to numerous local and national commercial ad campaigns.

“This is a great opportunity to join Rick and give back, supporting music students and young professional musicians trying to make a career for themselves – especially during the season of giving,” said Newman.

Award-winning members performing in this concert include young professional musicians, music educators, and traditional-aged music students who enroll at HFC to continue their performance opportunities.

“Last year was Karen’s inaugural performance, which brought the house down! We had more than 700 people in the audience – that’s phenomenal!” said Goward. “We had this year’s concert booked just days after last year’s, which is unheard of. If you thought last year’s concert was great, we were just warming up!”

Individual tickets cost $25, $35, and $45 each. Box office fees and online ticket order fees are not included. Tickets are available for purchase by calling 313-943-2354 or www.dearborntheater.com.