A live performance of Vince Guaraldi's iconic soundtrack — with the stories behind each arrangement, told between the tunes.
Vince Guaraldi wrote one of the most beloved soundtracks in American music when he scored A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965 — a jazz trio recording that's since become as much a part of the holiday season as the tree itself.
The Chris White Trio performs the album's arrangements in full, from "Christmas Time Is Here" to "Linus and Lucy," pausing between pieces to share the history behind each one: how it was written, why it works, and what makes it endure.
It's a show built for the whole family — kids will recognize every note, and adults will hear the music with new ears.
Chris White leads a tight, road-tested jazz trio built for exactly this kind of repertoire — warm, melodic, and rooted in the small-group swing that Guaraldi made famous. Piano, bass, and drums, playing off one another the way the original 1965 sessions did.
Beyond the notes, the trio brings a genuine love of the record's backstory to every show, making this as much a listening experience as a history lesson for anyone who grew up with the special.
Yes — the music and stories are family-friendly and paced for kids who know the special, though it's a seated listening show rather than an interactive one, so it suits most attention spans best around age 5 and up.
Each performance runs a little under an hour, covering the album's arrangements along with the stories behind them.
Both performances feature the same full program, so pick whichever fits your evening — the 4:30 PM show tends to suit families with younger kids and earlier bedtimes.
The Lytle Auditorium is located directly across from the Belmont Metra stop in Downers Grove; check the venue directly for current parking details ahead of the show.
A love letter to the town, from local author Greg Elisha — 39 side-by-side comparisons pairing historic photographs with present-day views, so you can see exactly what's changed and what still feels the same.
Two performances only — 4:30 and 6:00 PM at The Lytle Auditorium.