Bending Towards The Light... A Jazz Nativity

is The Christmas Story told through the medium of jazz since its premiere in 1985.

Haven't seen it? Watch this.

Composed by Anne Phillips - Directed by Beth Ann Kennedy. Presented by Kindred Spirits & Chelsea Opera.

Steve Turre playing the shells

2024 Productions

New York | Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew

Monday December 16th | 8:00 PM
West End Ave & 86th St

Greensboro, NC | Rohbeth Church

Friday, December 13 | 6:00 PM
4475 Rohbeth Church Road

Tucson, AZ | New Spirit Lutheran Church

Sunday, December 225:00 PM
Monday, December 23 | 7:00 PM
8701 E Old Spanish Trail

Chicago | St Cletus Parish Center

Sunday, December 15 | 4:00 PM
700 W 55th St., LaGrange, Illinois.

About The Show

People of all faiths, jazz fans and those new to it, young and old, return year after year.  The joy, love and camaraderie inherent in the show radiates throughout the audience. The show was written and arranged by singer-songwriter Anne Phillips at the suggestion of the late John Garcia Gensel, “The Jazz Pastor” of St. Peter’s Church.

The original music, written by Ms. Phillips, Bob Kindred and Dave and Iola Brubeck is combined with well-known carols.  The soundtrack recording features the late CBS journalist Charles Kuralt as host and jazz greats Lionel Hampton, Dave Brubeck and Tito Puente.

The show plays annually in New York and cities across the country.

Clark Terry sings “Mumbles” to Mary

Produce The Jazz Nativity

You can produce this joyful, inspiring show in your community! It has been performed with local casts throughout the country: in Utica, NY, Colorado Springs, Evanston and Chicago, IL, Topeka, KS and Greensboro, NC…. Audiences of all faiths and beliefs love it.

Jazz Nativity Interviews with the Performers

Join Anne Phillips and Beth Ann Kennedy for these intimate interviews with the stars from the Jazz Nativity over the years!

The Jazz Nativity transcends
musical and cultural boundaries

"None of the classics is half so giddy, nor so utterly entertaining as 'The Jazz Nativity' that burst onto the stage of Orchestra Hall on Sunday afternoon!"

Howard Reich

Chicago Tribune

"Brilliant, infectious, the music roars … a spell-binding production!"

New York Amsterdam News

"By the end of 'The Jazz Nativity' you know you've been through something wonderful... a stirring celebration of Christmas!"

Dr. Billy Taylor

CBS Sunday Morning

“Anne Phillips has created a compelling evening in which the secular and sacred swirl and soar!”

Chuck Berg

Topeka News Journal

"A most extraordinary and powerful blending of opera and jazz, absolutely truthful to both genres."

Mauricio Trejo

Winner of the International Caruso Competition

"None of the classics is half so giddy, nor so utterly entertaining as 'The Jazz Nativity' that burst onto the stage of Orchestra Hall on Sunday afternoon!"

Howard Reich

Chicago Tribune

"Brilliant, infectious, the music roars … a spell-binding production!"

New York Amsterdam News

"By the end of 'The Jazz Nativity' you know you've been through something wonderful... a stirring celebration of Christmas!"

Dr. Billy Taylor

CBS Sunday Morning

“Anne Phillips has created a compelling evening in which the secular and sacred swirl and soar!”

Chuck Berg

Topeka News Journal

"What an awesome experience – worthy of Broadway with fantastic choral and orchestral music, dancing and spiritual messages. Thank you for bringing this wonderful gift to our community”

Greenboro News & Record NC

"By the end of 'The Jazz Nativity' you know you've been through something wonderful... a stirring celebration of Christmas!"


Dr. Billy Taylor

CBS Sunday Morning

"None of the classics is half so giddy, nor so utterly entertaining as 'The Jazz Nativity' that burst onto the stage of Orchestra Hall on Sunday afternoon!"


Howard Reich

Chicago Tribune

“What an awesome experience—worthy of Broadway with fantastic choral and orchestral music, dancing and spiritual messages. Kudos to West Market St. UMC for bringing this wonderful gift to our community!”

Barbara Gesse

Greensboro News & Record, NC

Keep the light alive!

Light is meant to serve, as light serves for so many religions and philosophies as a symbol of truth and love ... and hope. Hope that even in a dark season, we may begin to see the world...BENDING TOWARDS THE LIGHT.