Christmastime is here: Local musicians bring music of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ to life

Like decorated trees and jingle bells, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is woven into the fabric of holiday tradition.

The classic characters, the critique of the holiday’s commercialism and the refocus on the true reason for the season has made the classic cartoon resonate with generation after generation.

And a large reason for its cultural longevity is the timeless original music that accompanies it: “Linus & Lucy,” “Skating,” “Christmastime Is Here” and many more.

“People love the music. It’s part of their Christmas celebrations,” said Jerry Navarro, a local musician and producer.

That music comes alive during the return of a special concert at the Historic Artcraft Theatre. Navarro will be joined by a blend of special guests coming from Nashville, Tennessee, as well as the children’s choir from Refinery Hybrid, a homeschool educational extension.

“It’s going to one big old fun, family show,” Navarro said. “I’d encourage anyone who loved that Charlie Brown special or that music, or who just wants to see a high-level show, to come out.”

Navarro, a Franklin resident, is an accomplished bassist as well as a music producer and composer. He moved to the area from Nashville, Tennessee, where he had studied music performance and composition at Belmont University before becoming ingrained in the city’s famed music scene.

He was involved with the Nashville Jazz Workshop, and has shared the stage with artists ranging from Bon Jovi to Dave Matthews to George Clinton.

Since moving to central Indiana in 2020, Navarro’s focus has been on Soundspace Label Group, a membership-based record label that offers world-class professional music services at lower risk and lower cost to artists. Working with local leaders such as Rob Shilts, executive director at Franklin Heritage, Franklin mayor Steve Barnett and director of community development Krista Linke, he has organized performances to show off some of the label’s talent.

On a regular basis, Navarro has had Soundspace artists perform at the Artcraft in informal concerts. His first year here, he suggested bringing a tradition he started in Nashville to Franklin: playing the “A Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack on stage.

The performance has become an Artcraft mainstay, bringing in hundreds of people in 2021 and 2022. They’re anticipating the largest crowd yet this year, Navarro said.

“It’s becoming a tradition,” he said. “We’re hoping to turn this concert into the centerpiece for families this year.”

He, along with Isaac Velasquez on drums and Kelli Cox on piano, will play all of the classics penned by composer Vince Guaraldi, from “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” to “O Tannenbaum.” Both Velasquez and Cox are accomplished musicians and offer a precision to truly capture the “Charlie Brown” music.

“I wanted to bring a higher level of entertainment. If I’m being boastful, anyone can regurgitate the songs, but when you’re doing it with people of that level of competence, it’s really a special thing,” Navarro said.

To add more depth and whimsy to the show, Navarro has invited Refinery Hybrid’s children’s choir to take part. Navarro teaches music at the facility, and has been working with 43 students to learn the layers of Guaraldi’s music.

“That’s the special thing about this ‘Charlie Brown Christmas.’ I’ve been teaching them all of that songs; they’re really all awesome kids, some of the most talented kids I’ve experienced in a school setting,” Navarro said.

IF YOU GO

“A Charlie Brown Christmas”

What: A special performance of Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack from the beloved cartoon, with the Jerry Navarro Trio and the Refinery Hybrid Children’s Choir.

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 21

Where: Historic Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main St., Franklin

Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 and under

Information: historicartcrafttheatre.org and jerrynavarro.com