Fellow San Francisco State Alumni, Johnny Mathis makes Christmas magical at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts with a 20 piece orchestra.
The legendary Johnny Mathis, celebrating the holidays with, ‘A Johnny Mathis Christmas’ at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
How does one review a living legend like Johnny Mathis, especially when he’s performing at 89 years old with that velvety voice as he bringing his magic to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts? The answer: with awe, admiration, and gratitude for the incredible legacy he continues to share with the world. ‘A Johnny Mathis Christmas‘ concert is not just an event; it’s a celebration of timeless music, heartwarming nostalgia, and the spirit of the season.
Mathis, one of the remaining crooners who sets the mood, took the stage with the elegance and charm that only someone of his caliber can deliver. Joined by a stunning 20-plus piece orchestra, he performed an array of holiday classics that instantly transported the audience into the true spirit of Christmas along with his signature songs and “Chances Are” the entire audience, including myself were enamored by how his voice continues to have the same quality as his early albums. The smooth, distinctive tone of Mathis, with that telltale quaver, wrapped us in warmth as he serenaded us with beloved songs like “Winter Wonderland“, “Pure Imagination” from the 1971 classic film, ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory‘ and a tribute to ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas‘ with “Christmas Time is Here” by Vince Guaraldi, who played on Mathis’ very first album. Talk about the perfect way to end the year!
But it wasn’t just Mathis’ voice that captivated the crowd, his stage presence was magnetic as he was showered with flowers and signed albums for audience members. With the brilliant Brad Upton as his stand-up comedy opener, who also took us into the intermission, the evening felt like an immersive, joyful experience that transcended generations. From the laughs to the heartfelt renditions of holiday favorites, every moment was filled with the magic only a legend like Mathis can bring.
Johnny Mathis’ legacy is unparalleled. With over 80 albums, 50 Billboard Adult Contemporary hits, and a long list of accolades, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame; Mathis’ career is awe inspiring. Yet, seeing him live, still sounding like he did in the prime of his career and at the top of his game, you realize that his talent is as timeless as the songs he sings.
If you haven’t had the chance to see him perform yet, there’s no better way to experience the man and his music. Thank you, Johnny Mathis, for delivering a Christmas concert at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts that will be remembered by all who attended as one of the highlights of the season. What an unforgettable evening with a true living legend.
The next show at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is a twonight event featuring the 27th Annual Dave Koz and Friends Friends on Friday December 20, and Saturday December 21, 2024.
To purchase tickets for future events visit: https://am.ticketmaster.com/cerritos/buy
The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is located at:
18000 Park Plaza Dr.
Cerritos, CA 90703
Summary
No summary needed. It’s Johnny Mathis, Christmas and the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. That’s reason enough to celebrate.
We had the pleasure of seeing Johnny Mathis in New Brunswick NJ
Just incredible!
Beautiful voice beautiful personality and his comic attention was great too and we bought the CD.. the show was a Christmas gift from my son!
What a voice. What a talent.
The greatest singer ever, a voice from heaven.