Bending Towards The Light... A Jazz Nativity

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

Composed by Anne Phillips
Directed by Beth Ann Kennedy

Thank you for a great 2023 season!

See you this year!

King Bobby Sanabria

2024 Productions

New York, New York

Monday December 16th
St. Paul's and St. Andrew's UMC 86th and West End Avenue

Bozeman, Montana
Greensboro, North Carolina
Chicago, Illinois
‍

The Jazz Nativity transcends musical and cultural boundaries.

"A most extraordinary and powerful blending of opera and jazz, absolutely truthful to both genres."
-Mauricio Trejo, Winner of the International Caruso Competition
‍

Produce The Jazz Nativity in your city

"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”
-Barbara Gesse, Greenboro News & Record NC

"Anne Phillips has created a compelling evening in which the secular and sacred swirl and soar!”
-Chuck Berg, Topeka News Journal

"I was privileged to attend a performance of “Bending Towards the Light … A Jazz Nativity and was held spellbound. I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed a more entertaining communion with God, the church, and my fellow man. It is such a rich cultural experience."
-Howard Steward, Flushing, NY

“If you present “Bending Towards the Light” in your community your audience will be thrilled and keep coming back every year!”
-Andrew Tecson, Chicago, IL

“Incredible show! You deserve an award! Our children couldn't stop talking about it!”
-Arthur Mills, NYC Office of the Mayor
‍

Click for more information on how to produce The Jazz Nativity in your city!

Block Quotejn

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

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!

All Interviews

"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