Mannheim Steamroller kicks off season

CEDAR RAPIDS - When Chip Davis was planning for Mannheim Streamroller to record a Christmas album in 1984, many people in the music industry warned him it would be a 'career killer.”

Thirty years later, the music of Mannheim Steamroller continues to pack concerts, such as the group's appearance Saturday night at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids. It also continues to sell millions of holiday CDs and DVDs.

Opening with 'Deck the Halls,” the 'Green Tour” cast was greeted with applause as it launched into the familiar Mannheim Steamroller arrangements of 'We Three Kings,” 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and 'Traditions of Christmas” that fans have known and loved over the years.

Accompanying videos helped set the mood for the evening, taking the audience on a musical and visual journey to England and the Middle East. The audience also was treated to artificial snow during the performance of 'Catching Snowflakes on Your Tongue.”

That was followed by Johnny Mathis and the University of Michigan Men's Chorus on video joining a live performance of 'O Tannenbaum” with the seamless presentation that has become a trademark of Mannheim Steamroller over the years.

Violinist Becky Kia, an Iowa native and graduate of the University of Iowa, delivered a bravura performance of 'O Holy Night” to close the first half of the concert. Kia, who also conducts the 'Green Tour” touring cast, showed she was equally comfortable with music from Mannheim Steamroller's early 'Fresh Aire” period.

The second half of the concert featured selections from Fresh Aire albums such as 'Chocolate Fudge,” 'Four Rows of Jacks,” 'Steamroller” and 'Leonardo,” a musical and video tribute to Leonardo da Vinci.

Roxanne Layton, whether handling various percussion instruments or playing the recorder, continues to delight audiences with her musical talent. Kudos also are in order for Logan Pennington on drums, who showed he can make the most of a solo and yet play a toy piano with just the right touch.

While other instruments in Mannheim Steamroller have contributed to the group's success over the years, piano, synthesizer and harpsichord have been critical elements.

Custis McKonly and Bobby Kunkle brought excitement and musical excellence to Saturday's concert, showing they are more than worthy successors to the likes of Jackson Berkey, Chip Davis and others who have gone before them.

Forty years after Davis launched Mannheim Steamroller, Saturday's concert provided ample evidence that it is going strong and reaching new generations of fans.

l Comments: (319) 398-8366; george.ford@thegazette.com