BWW Reviews: Capital City Men's Chorus Spreads Christmas Cheer with THE YULE OF COOL

Back in September, I sang the praises of Austin's Capital City Men's Chorus, saying "This group is polished, professional, hungry to be heard, and just as good as their counterparts in other cities such as Los Angeles and New York."  Three months later, the only change is an adornment of holly berries and tinsel.  With their Christmas-themed concert which closes today, Sunday December 9^th, the Capital City Men's Chorus spreads Christmas cheer while showcasing their incredible vocal talents.

Led by Conductor and Artistic Director Jeffrey Jones-Ragona, this year's concert focuses on both re-introducing forgotten Christmas tunes like "Masters in This Hall," "Christmas Eve," and "Coventry Carol," and offering jazzy versions of other holiday favorites.  With a mix of refinement and frivolity, the 60 person choir croons nearly 20 Christmas tunes.  Some stand-outs include "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire," featuring golden-voiced tenor soloist John Kessling and a Dave Burbeck's "Take 5" inspired arrangement of "We Three Kings."  But the real fun comes in the second set in which the guys gleefully take on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch," complete with deliciously campy choreography.  But the most fun of the evening comes with the audience sing-along versions of "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music, "Deck the Halls," and "Silent Night."  The brilliant five piece band also gets their turn in the spotlight with the instrumental "Charlie Brown Christmas Suite."

With their fine voices and harmonies and their sense of humor and fun, Capital City Men's Chorus easily puts the audience into the Holiday spirit.

THE YULE OF COOL closes this afternoon, Sunday December 9^th at 4pm at University Baptist Church at 2130 Guadalupe Street in Austin, TX. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. For tickets and information, visit http://ccmcaustin.org.