The Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet is set to present **“A Guaraldi Holiday”** on **December 22, 2023**, at the **Vilar Performing Arts Center** in Beaver Creek, Colorado. This special event, in partnership with **Vail Jazz**, features two performances celebrating the timeless jazz of **Vince Guaraldi**, renowned for his work on the beloved “Peanuts” television specials.
During the evening, audiences will experience a nostalgic yet innovative interpretation of Guaraldi’s classics, performed by acclaimed pianist and composer **Isaiah J. Thompson**, alongside tenor saxophonist **Julian Lee**, drummer **Matthew Lee**, and upright bassist **Sebastian Rios**. Thompson, a **Juilliard** graduate, previously honed his skills at the **2014 Vail Jazz Workshop**, which played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic journey. **Anneliese Swift**, executive director of Vail Jazz, remarked on Thompson’s growth, stating he embodies the workshop’s mission to nurture young talent and inspire communities.
Thompson’s ensemble promises to evoke the spirit of Guaraldi’s music while offering fresh arrangements that resonate with contemporary audiences. “A lot of people say they don’t like jazz, but they love Charlie Brown — they love Vince Guaraldi — so I would beg them to reconsider that opinion,” Thompson expressed. The music, which has introduced countless listeners to jazz, will be reimagined through a combination of nostalgia and sophisticated improvisation.
Vince Guaraldi is celebrated for making jazz accessible to audiences of all ages, especially through his compositions featured in the **Thanksgiving**, **Christmas**, and **Valentine’s Day** specials. Thompson emphasizes that Guaraldi’s music transcends genres, noting, “He’s the Trojan horse for jazz… made it family-oriented and kid-friendly.” This connection to Guaraldi’s work has deeply influenced Thompson and his peers, who grew up listening to his music, often wondering what made it so captivating.
The upcoming concerts will showcase the Quartet’s commitment to modern jazz, illustrating that the genre encompasses a variety of styles, including swing, blues, and improvisation. “We’re advocates for modern jazz, meaning that if we’re playing modern, that means playing in the now, in real time,” Thompson explained. This dynamic approach encourages active participation from both musicians and audience members, creating an engaging and interactive experience.
Thompson and his trio aim to capture the essence of Guaraldi’s music, with arrangements that reflect his original spirit while incorporating fresh elements. “I hope the audience has a great time and really gets into the spirit of the holidays,” he stated, highlighting the importance of the festive atmosphere surrounding the performances.
Tickets for the December 22 shows, scheduled for **6:00 PM** and **8:30 PM**, are sold out, reflecting the high demand for this unique holiday celebration. General admission tickets were priced at **$84.75**, while reserved seating was available for **$133**. This event is part of the **Pick 3/5 Ticket Package** offered by Vail Jazz.
For those unable to attend, the enthusiastic response to the Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet’s performances reaffirms the significant impact of Guaraldi’s music on audiences, continuing to bridge generations through the joy of jazz. The Vilar Performing Arts Center, known for its appreciation of musical artistry, stands ready to welcome back Thompson, who has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary jazz.
As the holiday season approaches, the performances promise to be a heartfelt tribute to **Vince Guaraldi**, celebrating his legacy and the joy of jazz music in a festive setting. For more information about future events, please visit VilarPAC.org.