"Christmas with Chris Jamison" coming to The Strand Theater

ZELIENOPLE — It's "Christmas with Chris Jamison" for two nights only at The Strand.

Jamison, a finalist on "The Voice," is coming to The Strand at 7 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 p.m. Friday with a holiday show that will include all the traditional, popular and favorite Christmas songs – all with Jamison's unique spin.

"The music has a rhythm & blues vibe, pop with some soul, the arrangement's a little different, but the songs are all recognizable, and this year I've added backup singers. It's a show I think people will enjoy," Jamison said.

He describes the Chris Jamison Band as a great bunch of guys from the Pittsburgh area, and this year they added trumpet and saxophone.

Ron Carter, executive director of The Strand Initiative, said it is a genuine blessing to bring singer-songwriter Jamison and his signature sound to The Strand.

"Since his debut concert in 2018, Chris' fans have packed the house every time he's performed here. Both of his shows in 2019 sold out," Carter said. "The Strand's intimate setting is the best way to enjoy his heartfelt performance."

"I love to keep coming back to The Strand. It is a beautiful place where I feel we are all together in a large living room, sharing the experience," Jamison said. "Growing up, we always went to the B. E. Taylor Christmas shows. That was my inspiration. From when I very young, I wanted to do a Christmas show."

Jamison was born a triplet with sisters Emily and Samantha, to Michelle and Bryan Jamison. He grew up in the North Hills, attended North Hills High School, was a member of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and Mini Stars. When he was a student at Capital University pursuing a degree in business marketing he was so successful on "The Voice' that he decided to pursue a music career.

He competed in the 2014 season 7 of "The Voice" and made it to the finale.

"There was a lot of stress and anxious moments competing, but I tried not to focus on that. I just tried to get to the next level. Everyone was incredibly talented. That's a very cool thing. It was a great experience," Jamison said.

"Christmas with Chris Jamison" is a Christmas concert, featuring his tremendous band, as well as additional musicians and guest artists.

"His Yuletide shows have wowed thousands of fans in much larger venues, but the intimate setting of The Strand is the perfect place to experience Chris Jamison," Carter said.

On Thursday, The Strand show is part of Zelienople's annual "Miracle on Main Street," an annual event featuring carriage rides, a living nativity scene, live reindeer, visits with Santa and a host of other Yuletide treats.

"Spend the day in Zelie and then join us for this great Christmas show," Carter said.

Tickets are $25 each and can be ordered by calling 724-742-0400 or visiting www.thestrandtheater.org.

This article originally appeared on Ellwood City Ledger: Local Voice contestant holding Strand Theater concerts