Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Orlando: The Most Sensational Concert of the 2022 Holiday Season
When “Jingle Bell Rock” starts jangling on the airwaves, you know Christmas is truly around the corner. From the wistful crooning of Bing Crosby to the rich baritone of Andy Williams, certain voices just ooze Christmas spirit – and we love them! But there’s also something to be said for instrumental renditions where strings and drums and – electric bass?? – give voice to Christmas day.
Once you’ve heard Mannheim Steamroller’s version of “Carol of the Bells,” there’s no going back! A modern take on Christmas classics, Mannheim Steamroller breathes fresh life into old favorites. (I’d say their style comparable to that of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera – which is to say – totally awesome.)
And now you don’t just have to listen to them on the radio or via YouTube – you can catch Mannheim Steamroller live at Universal Studios Orlando! Part of Mannheim Steamroller’s 2022 Christmas Tour and Holidays at Universal Orlando, this is one musical mash-up you won’t want to miss!
Who is Mannheim Steamroller?
Mannheim Steamroller is an amazing musical group founded by Chip Davis in 1974. Does his name sound familiar? If not, how about this one: C. W. McCall. If you’ve heard “Convoy” (who hasn’t?), then you’ve heard the work of Chip Davis.1
(If you haven’t heard “Convoy,” then you have some fun homework to do on YouTube!)
With the help of Bill Fries, C. W. McCall was originally created as a character for commercials, but the fictional truck driver ended up becoming the launch point for Davis’ career. With the success of “Convoy” under his belt, he shifted away from advertisements to focus on the style he was most passionate about, something he calls “18th Century Classical Rock.” (This has since been dubbed “New Age” by the powers that be.)
The name of the group is a reflection of this style – Mannheim is the name of the town where Mozart lived, and “Mannheim Steamroller is the name for an 18th-century musical technique known as the crescendo.”2
Best known for their series of FRESH AIRE albums, Mannheim Steamroller is a multi-award winning, multi-platinum, Billboard chart-topping group whose unique and wonderful sound continues to invigorate and inspire – especially during the holiday season!
Christmas Concert and Carols at Universal
If you want to experience this mesmerizing music group, you can do so during select dates at Universal Studios! On December 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th, Mannheim Steamroller will be performing live Christmas concerts to rock your fuzzy socks off!
These concerts will be hosted in the evenings and are included with regular park admission.3 If spending the day at Universal Studios wasn’t cool enough, topping it off with Mannheim Steamroller will definitely make it feel like Christmas has come early!
(Photo: Unsplash)
As of writing, there isn’t an official line-up of songs, but you can expect to hear lively, electronic versions of “Carol of the Bells,” “Joy to the World,” and “Deck the Halls.”4 “Greensleeves,” “Hallelujah,” and “Do You Hear What I Hear” are other possibilities – honestly, no Christmas song is off limits when it comes to Mannheim Steamroller!
With keyboards, synthesizers, and booming percussion that resonates in your bones, it’s sure to be the most exciting take on holiday tunes that you’ve ever heard!
Further Festivities at Universal
If the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show doesn’t start until the evening, then what are you supposed to do with the rest of your day??
Well, it’s not like Universal Studios is packed with a bunch of thrilling rides or anything, so lucky for us, they have other Christmas activities to enjoy!
One of the most popular is experiencing Christmas in the Wizarding World. Join Harry Potter as snow begins to fall on Hogwarts and raise a cup of cheer (and by that, I mean butterbeer).
From Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade, the Wizarding World transforms with Christmas decor, and there are some Christmas concerts here, too! Enjoy yuletide favorites as croaked out by the Frog Choir or as sung by Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Unlike Mannheim Steamroller’s performance, this lineup includes songs that are popular in the wizarding world, like “God Rest Ye Merry Hippogriffs.”
You can also check out Universal’s holiday parade featuring larger-than-life Macy’s balloons and characters from Shrek, Madagascar, and Despicable Me.
Another fantastic show to catch is the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular! The classic story of everyone’s favorite fuzzy green grouch learning to love the true spirit of Christmas is performed live throughout the holiday season at Universal. With hilarious antics and occasional pop culture references, this telling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is always fresh and fun! Though I must say, the older I get, the more relatable the Grinch becomes…is there really anything wrong with wanting a bit of peace and quiet??
Anyway, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is not only a great way to gear up for Christmas, but it’s also the perfect prep for the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show because it features music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller!
After a full day of Christmas celebration, the Mannheim Steamroller concert is truly the star on top of the tree!
Are you planning to attend the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show at Universal Studios Orlando? What’s your favorite Mannheim Steamroller Christmas song? Let us know in the comments below!
See you there!
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Photo: Unsplash
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