More than 2,000 come out Thursday for Mannheim Steamroller show

Billed as "Everyone's Favorite Holiday Tradition," the Midwest touring ensemble of Mannheim Steamroller performed a Christmas concert of sight and sound Thursday night for more than 2,100 fans at the Show Me Center on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

Even before the start of the performance, music lovers were counting the minutes before the group took to the stage.

"We've been fans for a long time," said Bill Beggs of Cape Girardeau. "We like the 'Mannheim Steamroller Christmas' album the best."

"We're fortunate to have Mannheim Steamroller in Cape," added his wife, Shirley.

Mannheim Steamroller performs "Gagliarda" with Becky Kia on violin, Roxanne Layton on recorder, Ron Cooley on lute Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012 at the Show Me Center. (Fred Lynch)

Todd Priest of Cape Girardeau said he has been listening to Mannheim Steamroller since the late 1980s.

"I didn't know for the longest time they were even coming," Priest said. "I finally hear on the radio they would be bringing the Christmas show here, and I'm thrilled I'm going to see them perform."

The mood for the evening was set with the group's opening number, a version of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," filled with the sound of percussion, bass and the violin of Becky Kia, who also is conductor of the Midwest touring group. Three large screens, one placed above the group and the others at the sides of the stage, displayed Christmas images that captured the emotion of the song and for each song that followed.

The first song was followed by a greeting from Ron Cooley, Mannheim Steamroller's bassist and senior member.

"Hello, Cape Girardeau," he said to applause from the audience. "It's great to be here!"

Next, the group performed "Gagliarda," a song with a Medieval flair, and "Greensleeves" which featured a solo from Kia on violin. The audience favorite "White Christmas" was made all the more sentimental by the soft touch of pianist Curtis McKonly.

The classic synthesizer sound Mannheim Steamroller is known for first appeared during "Little Drummer Boy," and a bass-heavy "Faeries" was well received. A rousing rendition of "Joy to the World" and the inspirational "Above the Northern Lights" also were crowd favorites. "O Holy Night" was the last song performed before intermission.

When Mannheim Steamroller returned to the stage, fans were treated to songs from the album, "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas." A modern version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" led off the second act, and the songs "Wassail, Wassail" and "Carol of the Birds" delighted the audience. Another Mannheim Steamroller favorite, "Carol of the Bells," ended the concert.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

Becky Kia plays violin on "Greensleeves" with Roxanne Layton and Mannheim Steamroller on Thursday at the Show Me Center.FRED LYNCHflynch@semissourian.com

1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.