Bending Towards The Light

A Jazz Nativity

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
Produced by Kindred Spirits & Aunahil

2023 Show Dates

November 30th at 7:00 PM &
December 3rd at 4:00 PM

Hope Lutheran Church
2152 Graf St. in Bozeman, MT

Friday, December 8 at 6:00 PM
Rehobeth Church
4475 Rehobeth Church Rd. in Greensboro, NC 

Date, Venue, and Players TBD
Chicago, IL

Monday, December 18 at 8:00 PM
St. Paul & St. Andrew UMC
263 West 86th Street, NYC 10024
Buy tickets

New this season!

We're thrilled to present the show in new formats, new places, and to new audiences for the 2023 holiday season.

Learn more + buy tickets
  • LIVE-STREAM the New York show on December 18 and watch the magic from the comfort of your home.

  • Watch the Historic Show all season long, ON-DEMAND

  • Join us for the MONTANA PREMIERE of the Jazz Nativity on November 30.

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

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