Jody Watley returns to Colors of Christmas for 2022 with San Francisco Symphony.
Colors of Christmas is an experience like no other music tour of combined talents and artistry.
’m thrilled to join The Colors of Christmas concert again, along with Oleta Adams, Peabo Bryson, and Ruben Studdard performing with the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall December 6 & 7. To perform with the symphony orchestra again is a dream come true not to mention singing with Oleta, Peabo & Ruben – total awesomeness!!
Come experience a couple of my classics with an orchestra and the magic of seeing all of us sing duets and ensembles in the spirit of Christmas and holiday season – even the Grinch would enjoy it!
Stig Edgren Presents: The Colors of Christmas Tour 2019 was a whirlwind California trio of concerts with Peabo Bryson a staple and feature of the tour since it’s beginning 27 years ago, along the way the shows at one time also included Philharmonic Orchestra’s in each city and small choirs.
Peabo was joined by Oleta Adams, BeBe Winans stepping in last minute for an ailing Ben Vereen and myself. The three of us have also done the tour before – this being my third time, the first over a decade ago. The collaborative nature of the tour makes it once of the most unique concert experiences one could experience backed by a full band and additional backing vocalists.
James Ingram, an alumni of the show and close friend of Peabo as well as music director Herman Jackson, received a poignant and emotional musical medley tribute. The first night, Herman became so overwhelmed he had to leave for a minute to regain composure.
The 3 days of concerts (Palm Desert, Cerritos and San Diego) was a whirlwind and we all lamented on what a great time was had by all..one of the highlights was Oleta and I crashing BeBe’s ending of “I’ll Take You There” for a rousing reprise of the song – we were on side of the stage lost track of the set and thought our duet was next and rather than waiting for the regular timing – let’s just go now! To our surprise Peabo was on the other side of stage — saw us go out and start singing and so he joined. The audience loved the spontaneous moment as BeBe laughed and went with it. He and Oleta had a hilarious exchange at the end..she and I realized we’d come out too soon and BeBe still had his “My Christmas Prayer” to do. Impromptu moments are always special and memorable. On “Beauty & The Beast” only one show had children to join us. Parents don’t seem to bring the little ones out the way they used to.
Thanks so all who came out to see us and as always for supporting live music – there’s nothing like it.
One of the rehearsal days – filmed this with the awesome Oleta Adams.
Palm Desert. Jody Watley Season’s Greetings.
View from my suite. Palm Desert.
The beautiful McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert – first stop on the 3 day tour.
Dressing Room Door.
Green room McCallum Theatre.
Bebe Winans and I hit it off right away – and it surprised me. He was so nice and down to earth.. I should know better from my own experience of how some view me before meeting me — ‘preconceived notions.’ Because BeBe was a last minute replacement for Ben Vereen, we only had soundcheck to run through our duet for “My Favorite Things” – we had a blast singing and performing together. Photo: Soundcheck McCallum Theatre Dec. 13, 2019
Ready to begin show with Peabo Bryson final night in San Diego. Peabo was in the stairwell warming up his vocals, I told him we have to get a photo! I warmed up in dressing room – still doing what I was taught by the great Seth Riggs.
Everyone has pre-show rituals – we finally got a partial group shot before the final show at the historic Balboa Theatre in San Diego. Jody Watley, BeBe Winans, Oleta Adams.
Snow Princess Wattage. Life is a gift and a present each day – cherish it.
Sparkle and Shine!
Gown by I Luv Stevie – Chicago’s Stevie Edwards.
Rear View. Watch me walk out!
Final night was historic Balboa Theatre -San Diego, CA. It’s lovely and well maintained throughout.
This Instagram post meant so much from BeBe and a nice surprise.
4th look for ensemble finale – Joy To The World (Reprise).
Jody Watley. Peabo Bryson. Oleta Adams. BeBe Winans. ‘Joy To The World”
After show. Jody Watley Christmas T-shirt.
Thanks to Stig Edgren, musicians, backing vocalists – and all who came out to support us!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Blessings to All for 2020!
Tickets on sale now for the holiday show of the season- The Colors Of Christmas. This is a classy evening of Christmas music with a few hits sprinkled in and the only time you get to see these types of onstage duets and choral performances.
Get tickets early for this fantastic holiday show featuring Peabo Bryson, Oleta Adams, Ben Vereen and yours truly Jody Watley. Yes, it’s summer but it’s cool to plan ahead. We sing duets together, as a group and select solo selections.
Dec 13 – McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA
Dec 14 – Cerritos Performing Arts Centre, Cerritos, CA
It was an epic night in Nashville, Tennessee at The Tennessee Performing Arts Center as I was the recipient of the Crossover Music Icon Award. I’ll be doing a more extensive post but wanted to share a few photos.
En route in a custom couture lace tux by Kevan Hall.
Red carpet and a post show exchange with host Rickey Smiley about a “workers of inequity” inspirational video he posted last year that was very timely.
Dancers ready to back up Sevyn Streeter and Vivian Green in the Jody Watley tribute.
Front row baby! Looking forward to a great show and nervous about what I was going to say because I didn’t write a speech, just wanted to be in moment and enjoy the night.
With Sevyn Streeter and Vivian Green after the tribute- they were so awesome and kind wanting to do me proud – they did.
My dear friend , SRL mate and renowned choreographer Rosero McCoy had all dancers on point for the night – and for moral support too!
With Teddy Riley and Damian Hall from Guy.
With my best friend Wallace Butts from Avid Music Inc – friend through thick and thin.
Got a big hug from Jackie Jackson of The Jacksons recipients of Lifetime Achievement Award – great to see them honored – overdue and well deserved.
They have pivotal moments in my life-making this night even more special.
You’ve got to be willing to be ridiculed to open the door wider for the next generation in life, music, politics – all of it.
I intended to make that point in my speech but ended up in another direction. It means everything to receive this recognition.
With renowned Hip hop /rap artist DaBrat.
With the incomparable Oleta Adams – she’s such a loving person too! I did the Colors of Christmas Tour with her several years ago and it was such a pleasure to sing with her – we also share a publicist and friend Tom Estey.
Backstage after the receiving my award for Crossover Music Icon. The statuette itself is so regal. I dedicated my award to my parents.
Rickey Smiley was a great host along with LeToya Luckett – I was doubled over in laughter.
Hanging out post show with LeToya Luckett- so kind. LeToya gave me the most exquisite perfume after I complimented how good she smelled (like gardenia and roses).
LeeLee from SWV always beautiful , effervescent and keeps it 100 – love and those ladies.
Watch the full clip.. I’m asked about Unsung..
One of the great nights of my life – this summer has truly been awesome despite all the ugliness of the world. I thank all past and present-and as always I look forward to keeping it moving to the next.
Thanks again Central City Productions, Don Jackson and Black Music Honors for truly making it a night to remember!
Airing Sept.2 syndicated television channels around the club and throughout October on Bounce network.
This show is also in support of funding for National African American Museum of Music.
