By Kendra Evensen – Idaho State Journal
World-renowned pianist Marvin Goldstein and vocal soloist Vanessa Joy will return to the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center on Wednesday for a concert they promise will be the perfect start to the holiday season. The show “A Classy and Classic Christmas” will take place at the BPAC at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased at Tweedy’s Music, online at blackfootpac.com or by phone at 208-317-5508. Goldstein said the concert will include a combination of traditional and new Christmas songs aswell as some contemporary pieces, and even some accordion music.But although the show will be “Classy and Classic,” it won’t be stuffy, he said. “Don’t expect to hear a church piano player that night,” Goldstein said, adding that the lighthearted show will include plenty of banter and laughs and even some audience participation. “We’ll usher in Christmas with a really fun spirit.” Although Goldstein has performed solo for most of his career, he said he enjoys performing with Joy, who “really knows how to handle an old man and put him in his place on stage.” “Out of all the performers I’ve met and worked with in the last 53 years, she’s the one I do best with,” he said. Joy said the feeling is mutual. “He’s excellent on the piano — it’s like bringing out a whole orchestra,” she said. But performing with Goldstein also keeps her on her toes since he doesn’t depend on sheet music and never seems to play a song the same way twice. “I don’t know if it’s just that he’s so rebellious or what, but he plays his own thing and I’ve learned to adapt to that,” she said. “We make a great team.” Goldstein has recorded roughly 50 CDs covering a variety of music styles throughout his career, and has developed 15 piano solo arrangement books. He prides himself on his lively shows and the opportunity to surprise people who consider all piano players to be serious. Joy starred in her first Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta at the age of 13, and has since earned numerous awards, starred in lead roles in opera and theater shows and accepted opportunities to perform throughout the world. Goldstein and Joy performed at the BPAC over the summer, but they say this show will be completely new. They hope people will come out and enjoy the performance as they kickoff the holiday season. “It will be a time to help people get in the spirit of Christmas,” Joy said. And it will be worth the audiences’ time, according to Goldstein. “We’re some of the best musicians I’ve ever heard — and the humblest, too,” he said. Goldstein and Joy to perform at Blackfoot Performing Arts Center. If you go “A Classy and Classic Christmas” will take place at the BPAC at 7:30 p.m.on Wednesday. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased at Tweedy’s Music, online at blackfootpac.com or by phone at 208-317-5508.
