Jazz at Kleinhans: Swinging in the Holidays featuring Champian Fulton Trio, Carmen Bradford, and Vanessa Perea
Swinging in the Holidays featuring three spectacular vocal jazz artists
Jazz at Kleinhans proudly continues a new holiday tradition with the 2nd Annual Jazz at Kleinhans Christmas Celebration—Swinging in the Holidays—a special time of seasonal classics reimagined through the swinging spirit of jazz. This presentation brings a hip, sophisticated take on beloved holiday standards, blending Broadway, Old Hollywood charm, and timeless favorites with forward-looking jazz artistry.
At the heart of the evening is Champian Fulton—an acclaimed jazz pianist and vocalist whose artistry bridges jazz tradition, swing, and the Great American Songbook. Fulton leads her trio through a spirited program of joyous melodies and rich arrangements that capture the warmth and cheer of the season. Her work reflects decades of performance on major jazz stages and a deep command of the tradition, making this a holiday concert like no other.
Swinging in the Holidays brings together an extraordinary ensemble of artists whose collective credentials span Grammy recognition, major awards, historic big band legacies, and performances on the world’s most revered jazz stages. Led by internationally acclaimed pianist and vocalist Champian Fulton, the evening features two remarkable vocalists: Grammy Award-winning jazz icon Carmen Bradford of Count Basie Orchestra fame, and internationally celebrated vocalist Vanessa Perea, known for her expressive storytelling and deep connection to the jazz tradition.
Together, these artists represent multiple generations of jazz excellence—rooted in the Great American Songbook while vibrantly alive in today’s global jazz landscape. Their combined experience includes performances at Lincoln Center, Birdland, The Kennedy Center, major international festivals, and concert halls across the Americas and beyond. For this special holiday production at Kleinhans Music Hall, they unite in a swinging celebration that honors jazz’s rich legacy while delivering the joy, warmth, and sophistication that define the season.
Swinging in the Holidays celebrates the music that defined an era—from the swing classics of Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald to the nostalgic favorites that anchor our holiday memories—all reimagined with sophistication, imagination, and joyful spirit.
This performance also coincides with the holiday release connected to the Flying High series, Flying High for the Holidays, produced by Fulton, further underscoring the evening’s blend of tradition and creative jazz interpretation. It is not simply a Christmas concert—it is a polished artistic celebration of rhythm, melody, and shared experience, presented in the magnificent acoustical setting of Kleinhans Music Hall.
About Champian Fulton
Champian Fulton is an internationally acclaimed jazz pianist and vocalist whose artistry stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Recognized by The New York Times as “a charming young steward of the mainstream jazz tradition,” Fulton has spent more than two decades shaping a singular voice in jazz. She has released 19 albums as a leader, earned multiple Album of the Year honors from The NYC Jazz Record, and was named Pianist & Vocalist of the Year by Hot House Magazine. Fulton has performed across the globe—from Lincoln Center and Birdland in New York to festivals and concert halls in Europe and Asia—and has shared the stage with luminaries including Lou Donaldson, Buster Williams, and Jimmy Cobb. As the artistic force behind the Jazz at the Ballroom – Flying High Christmas album and concert series, she brings her deep swing feel and radiant musical presence to Swinging in the Holidays at Kleinhans.
About Carmen Bradford
Carmen Bradford is a jazz vocal icon and a direct heir to the big band tradition. Discovered and hired at age 22 by William “Count” Basie, she served as featured vocalist of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra for nearly a decade. A five-time Grammy nominee and Grammy Award winner for Basie Swings the Blues, Bradford has built a distinguished career as both performer and educator. Her rich tone, impeccable phrasing, and commanding stage presence reflect a lifetime immersed in jazz tradition. Whether delivering swing classics, blues-infused ballads, or spirited holiday favorites, Carmen’s voice embodies both historical depth and joyful immediacy—making her an essential presence in this festive Kleinhans celebration.
About Vanessa Perea
Vanessa Perea is an internationally recognized jazz vocalist whose artistry blends elegance, rhythmic vitality, and a deep reverence for the Great American Songbook. Known for her captivating stage presence and nuanced phrasing, she has performed at premier venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, and major festivals across the United States, Europe, and South America. A featured collaborator with leading jazz artists and ensembles, Perea brings a sophisticated yet inviting interpretive style that resonates with audiences. Her ability to honor jazz tradition while infusing performances with warmth and personality makes her a perfect addition to Swinging in the Holidays, enriching the evening with both charm and musical depth.
About Jazz at the Ballroom
Jazz at the Ballroom is devoted to keeping the American Songbook and the spirit of swinging, classic jazz vibrantly alive—celebrating this extraordinary American art form while creating one-of-a-kind musical experiences. Rooted in the timeless elegance of the Great American Songbook, the series collaborates with some of the world’s most gifted musicians, offering performances that balance intimacy, artistry, and joyful sophistication.
Jazz at Kleinhans continues its mission to bring Buffalo the highest level of jazz experiences—performances that are international in scope, artistically distinguished, and deeply rooted in the music’s rich heritage. Swinging in the Holidays stands as a festive testament to that commitment and promises an unforgettable evening for audiences of all ages.
