Luther Burbank Center for the Arts and the Santa Rosa Symphony Present A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Luther Burbank Center for the Artsand the Santa Rosa Symphony present a special holiday treat as a part of the2016-2017 Symphony Pops Series on Sunday, December 11 at 3 p.m. with A Charlie Brown Christmas Concert. Quickly becoming a favorite on everyone's holiday "must-do" list, this festive afternoon concert features songs from the 1965 classic "Peanuts" animated special as well as other traditional Christmas favorites. Special guest pianist and Steinway Artist Jim Martinez, along with his Quartet, join the Santa Rosa Symphony under the baton of Principal Pops Conductor Michael Berkowitz in paying tribute to famous Snoopy songs, with music written or arranged by Vince Guaraldi.

Tickets for A Charlie Brown Christmas Concert range in price from $37-$80 and are available now. Tickets as well as additional information about The Center's Symphony Pops Series is available online at lutherburbankcenter.org, by calling 707-546-3600 or at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts ticket office (50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa).

Based in Sacramento, California, pianist Jim Martinez began his musical career at the age of four, receiving 18 years of classical training. He has amassed a list of musical accomplishments encompassing nearly all styles of music. Martinez, who is a Steinway Pianos Artist, has performed or recorded with Jazz notables Lionel Hampton, the Stan Kenton Alumni, Christian McBride, Russell Malone, Roy Hargrove, Cheryl Bentyne (Manhattan Transfer), the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Benny Golson and Ed Thigpen, the first drummer for the famous Oscar Peterson Trio. He has also performed with various symphony orchestras and toured as a featured guest with the U.S. Air Force Jazz Band from Travis AFB (CA).

With over 50,000 community members in attendance since the series began, the collaboration between the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts and the Symphony Pops Series is in its twelfth year in collaboration and is considered a signature part of the Sonoma County arts and culture scene. From the music of the classic jazz crooners to the tributes to pop sensations like ABBA and Elvis Presley, the Sunday afternoon concert series at the LBC has introduced new audiences to the great depth and range of sounds of the Santa Rosa Symphony and acclaimed soloists. Prior to each performance, ticketholders are invited to attend a discussion with Maestro Berkowitz as he provides insight into the afternoon's program and shares personal anecdotes and memories from his storied career working on Broadway with icons such as Liza Minnelli, Henry Mancini and Marvin Hamlisch, among many others.

The concert is made possible, in part, through support from Ann and Gordon Blumenfeld and Freeman Toyota Lexus.

About Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is home to world-class performances, nationally recognized education programs, contemporary visual art, and many popular events. The Arts Center is located in the heart of the Sonoma wine country and ranked among California's top performing arts presenters. Together with its resident companies, the Center presents more than 100 performances in music, dance, theater, renowned speakers, and comedy; provides education programs serving 30,000 children and adults; and hosts more than 1,000 community events a year. Owned and operated by the Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation, the Center relies on charitable community donations to achieve its mission - to enrich, educate, and entertain.

About the Santa Rosa Symphony
The Santa Rosa Symphony inspires and engages the residents of our region with the finest musical performances and educational programs while maintaining its core values of organizational strength, innovative programming, fiscal responsibility and community service. The Symphony's concert and education programs serve more than 100,000 people annually. Since 2006, music director and conductor Bruno Ferrandis has led the symphony.

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