A Chris Coogan Christmas: A Holiday Tradition with a Twist of Jazz

“A Chris Coogan Christmas,” a seasonal favorite featuring the Chris Coogan Jazz Quintet, will return to the Cobbs Mill Inn on Sunday, Dec 20.

Due to the success of last year’s sell-out performance, there will be two 90-minute shows preceded by buffet dinners being served from 4-5:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The Chris Coogan Jazz Quintet is comprised of Coogan (Weston) on piano, Rex Denton (Madison) on trumpet, Jim Royle (Monroe) on drums, Jim Clark (Norwalk) on sax and John Mobilio (Watertown) on bass. In addition, actress/vocalist Michele Grace (Fairfield) will perform a series of holiday classics.

  This musical showcase will artfully blend jazz with traditional Christmas carols in a unique, seasonal concoction. “Through our musical program, we will uplift and energize your spirits,” states Coogan. “Each carol is first sung by all and then a jazz quintet will explore the nuances of the same carols through improvisation and my own unique musical arrangements.”

During the concert, Coogan will perform his original Christmas music, including a setting of a Gregorian chant and a new look at some of the much-loved music from Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas.

  The dinner offerings will include farm-to-table salad, prime rib au jus, pan-seared salmon with lemon herb beurre blanc sauce, penne pasta with vodka sauce, bow tie pasta with pesto sauce, sauteed chicken breast with cherry tomatoes, scallions and red and green peppers, garlic mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf, vegetable medley and dessert.

The prices are as follows: $55 for dinner and show, which this year includes tax and tip and a non-alcoholic beverage. $35 ticket for dinner and show for kids ages under 10. $35 for the show-only. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are assigned seating in concert-style setting. Walk-ins are welcome for the waiting list.

To make a reservation, call the Cobb’s Mill Inn at 203-227-7221 and specify “Chris Coogan Christmas.” For more information, call Chris Coogan at 454 4695 or e-mail chris@cooganmusic.com

About Chris Coogan

Chris Coogan is a multi-talented entertainer who, as a composer, performer, teacher, choir director and producer, is rooted in the jazz and gospel traditions. He performs original and traditional music as a pianist and singer, as the leader of a jazz group and as director of the Good News Gospel Choir. In addition, he teaches jazz piano and leads gospel workshops throughout the country to help reinvigorate church and community choirs. Coogan has won the jazz portion of the John Lennon Song writing competition. The New York Times has called him a "masterful pianist." He has played and/or recorded with Sal Salvador, Dave Liebman, Harold Danko, Ronnie Spector, James Naughton, Phoebe Snow, Mavis Staples, Darlene Love, Bette Midler, Donna Summer, Will Lee, Shawn Pelton, Vaneese Thomas, Rob Mathes, Teo Macero, Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin and Paul Newman. Visit www.cooganmusic.com for more details.