A Message from Sam Rudin:

When I was much younger, I, like many pianists, would get some lucrative gigs during the holidays, playing the seasonal favorites in the background of parties and events. And I used to think, “wouldn't it be great to play this stuff in a concert setting, for actual listeners?"  

Clearly, in terms of heritage and beliefs, my connections to the holiday are slim. But as a sentient being in the USA, I am fully acculturated, and as a musician, I couldn't help noticing that, if I chose carefully, and stayed far away from Rudolph and Frosty...hey, a lot of this music is really good -and not just good, but flexibly available to a lot of interpretations. And, both as a player and a listener, I've always loved taking old things and making them new again.

So, in spite of the somewhat flippant headline, this will be an entirely respectful, and musically sincere evening.

Last year, the invitation said: "So if you can't be home with your family tonight, or if your own heritage and belief systems have you heading out for Chinese food, please stop by and and indulge in our shared musical tradition."

This year, of course, you are likely to be stuck at home, whether it is with your family or not. But the invitation is still offered in the same spirit as before. And just like before, it is important to point out that, no, the night will NOT include an obligatory chorus of "Dreidl, Dreidl, Dreidl."

Sam Rudin is the owner/creator of The Back Room, and is also an exciting pianist whose music embraces the whole range of 20th Century American music.

"A master of musical Americana...his scope is near limitless...enormous talent." — Lee Hildebrand, East Bay Express

For more information, please visit our website (www.backroommusic.com)