Christmas Jazz with the Alyssa Allgood Quartet

Jazz returns to Bethel United Church of Christ’s concert series with a sparkling performance by the Alyssa Allgood Quartet on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:00 p.m. Allgood is a Chicago-based jazz vocalist whose silky soprano voice is perfectly suited for Christmas favorites, from traditional to contemporary, to her own holiday compositions.

Band members include Alyssa Allgood, vocals; Tom Vaitsas, piano; Katie Ernst, bass; and Neil Hemphill, drums.

Alyssa Allgood has appeared either with her quartet or as soloist at such distinguished venues as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Club in Shanghai, Birdland Jazz Club in New York City, the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Green Mill, the Jazz Showcase, Winter’s Jazz Club, the Jazz Estate and Noce Jazz Club.

The New York City Jazz Record calls her “undeniably skillful at what she does. The expressive Chicagoan wears different hats, from scat singer to interpreter of familiar lyrics, to lyricist—and she shines in all of those areas…”

The Chicago Tribune’s former music critic Howard Reich described Allgood as “A fast-rising Chicago singer, who combines an unpretentious stage manner with a sophisticated jazz sensibility.”

A reception will follow the concert.

Bethel United Church of Christ is located at 315 East St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite or at the door. Students are free. Parking is free and the church is accessible. For more information call (630) 279-4040.