Dave Koz’s Gifts of the Season 2019 Tour – Concert Review and Interview with Melissa Manchester

Dave Koz’s Gifts of the Season 2019 Tour starring Melissa Manchester, Jonathan Butler, Michael Lington and Chris Walker performed at The Magnolia Theater in El Cajon on Thursday December 19, 2019. The Holiday season sparkled brightly as the musicians delivered classic songs like “Winter Wonderland,” “Joy to the World,” “Silver Bells,” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Dave Koz and Melissa Manchester provided the Hanukkah segment with two original melodies, “8 Candles” (Dave Koz’s song) and “Let There Be More Light” (Melissa Manchester’s song), and traditional melodies such as “Dreidel.” (Photographed by Sheryl Aronson)

Known for his spectacular holiday shows, Dave Koz and his crew filled the evening with lively choreographed numbers, enriched by special lighting that set the mood for each song. Adding a humorous tone, the audience was treated to a short cartoon as the characters of Dave Koz and Jonathan Butler moved around the film screen, while the real musicians caroused about playing “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas.” For the next 90 minutes, the five artists easily coalesced on and off the stage, both featuring their own music, as well as performing together.

One of the memorable moments of the night occurred when Melissa Manchester dazzled the audience with a medley of her hit tunes “Through the Eyes of Love,” “Midnight Blue,” and “Don’t Cry Out Loud” as Dave Koz accompanied Melissa’s rich vocals with his inspirational playing.

I interviewed Melissa Manchester regarding her experience traveling throughout the country with the Gifts of the Season Tour.

Sheryl Aronson: Melissa what was your overall experience traveling around the country with Dave Koz’s Gifts of the Season Tour?

Melissa Manchester: My overall experience as a guest on Dave Koz’s Gifts of the Season 2019 tour was that of deep joy. Getting to share the stage with such great artists as Jonathan Butler, Michael Lington, and Chris Walker was such fun. Sleeping on the bus with the artists and great musicians created an instant village. But the overall peace and good will came from Dave Koz himself. He was unflappable, tremendously talented, a total professional, and a total sweetheart.

Sheryl Aronson: What moment stood out the most for you on this tour?

Melissa Manchester: For me, one of the great moments was at the first concert. We’d been rehearsing for several days in studios in LA then Nashville. (You never really know how anything will land until you’re in front of an audience.) To hear an audience [cheer] their approval as the concert unfolded was thrilling!

Sheryl Aronson: How was it being the only female on the tour?

Melissa Manchester: I must say that as the only woman, I felt entirely honored and supported by all the fellas. What I also know to be true is that men will be boys. LOL.

Sheryl Aronson: You and Dave were able to do a Hanukkah segment of music on this tour. I saw Dave do his own medley of Jewish songs last year, so he must have been excited to have you along to add to the mix.

Melissa Manchester: Dave was so happy and excited to be working with another Jewish person; it was the first time in the tours’ 22 years that another Jew shared the stage! Because of that, Dave specifically wanted my Chanukah song “Let There Be More Light,” as well as his Chanukah piece “8 Candles” to have its moment. It was sweet, and funny, and in these odd times . . . proudly defiant.

Sheryl Aronson: What were your feelings about working with Dave Koz?

Melissa Manchester: Working with Dave was so fabulous and so interesting. He absolutely set the tone of the tour; company, cast, crew, and band. And that tone was consistently of gratitude and joy–each day, every show for 22 shows in 25 days! Everyone worked so hard for him. I was honored to be invited as a part of it, and equally honored to call him a true friend.

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