Mannheim Streamroller was fantastic!
by cttncndy on 11/20/10Von Braun Center Concert Hall - HuntsvilleRating: 5 out of 5Their concert was an enjoyable evening of great music leading us into the Christmas season. We loved it.

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MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER: CHRISTMAS IN CONCERT:
Mannheim Steamroller have been innovators of the neo-classical genre for over 40 years, blending the finest orchestral sections with electronic elements and a hint of rock to arrive at their remarkably unique sound. Not only are their live performances sonically robust, but they're visually stimulating as well, featuring an incredible light show and illustrations that dance across giant projection screens. Whether they're playing originals like "Catching Snowflakes on Your Tongue" or classics like "Joy to the World," Mannheim Steamroller will have fans in the holiday spirit this season on their 2014 Christmas tour.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Mannheim Steamroller is the alias of composer Chip Davis, who created the moniker from "Mannheim roller", a musical technique that was popular in Germany during the 1700s. Davis initially sought a record label to release his music, but the lack of interest led to the creation of his own label American Gramophone for his 1975 debut album Fresh Aire. He went on to release seven more albums in the Fresh Aire series, six of which were certified gold by the RIAA. His biggest success, however, came in 1984 with the release of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, a massive hit and enduring classic of contemporary holiday music. Since then, his Christmas catalog has grown to include thirteen records, containing some of Steamroller's biggest hits and holding the distinction of being some of the most requested Christmas music of all time. With more than 28 million albums sold in the US, Mannheim Steamroller will carry their musical enthusiasm with them throughout their 2014 shows.
FANS WHO BOUGHT TICKETS SAY:
"The band delivered from start to finish. What a wonderful way to get in the holiday spirit! Their musicianship is top notch and their performance is very entertaining."
"Great concert with remarkable renditions of Christmas music. They are a very professional ensemble that made the event enjoyable and memorable."
"I loved the Christmas concert!! The music, the video, and the interaction with the audience is amazing! I would definitely go see them again!"
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Their concert was an enjoyable evening of great music leading us into the Christmas season. We loved it.
extremely enjoyable, loved the lighting and back drop.
We have been Fans for years but never had been to a concert. We were blown away with how much sound was produced with so few people and instruments. We expected it to be excellent and were not disapointed. Only down note, (no pun intended) one of the drums microphone was a little hot I thought.
Three or four songs were AMAZING! What Child is This and Silent Night among others; musical masterpieces! But 60% of the concert was repetitive and did not stand out. The show was nice and professional and the personalities were great but for the ticket price, no I would not recommend the show. I would happily pay $50 a ticket for this show but no more. There was no need for an intermission. The show was over less than thirty minutes after intermission and the bathrooms all had long waiting lines.
With Mannheim Steamroller, you get exactly what you expect.... great music performed studio-perfect by great musicians. What you don't get anymore is an interactive experience with the audience. They are so good at the music, it almost seems like it's canned, not live, and the group's lack of connectivity with the crowd feeds that. This was the same show they performed in HSV last year, down to the same, tired videos with the music. Not bad, just tired. Anyone who saw this group when Chip Davis was still performing live onstage will realize how much more "live" it was in those days. A good show.......... go see it. But not a stunning music show anymore.
The over head lighting made it difficult to make out the video portions of the show, other than that it was an outstanding presentation.
The concert was phenom. The performers were outstanding. I was so thrilled going. I suprised my husband with the concert because he LOVED Christmas instrumental music. He surprised me by telling me thank you for a wonderful evening and that he really enjoyed it.
It wasn't worth the price to see them live. The music was good but you can get that on cd. The videos detracted terribly from the whole event. They were in desperate need of updating and overall improving.
Music was OK during 1st set, but they didn't play very long. Had to leave at intermission because of uncomfortable seating. Local staff unwilling to help. Don't go to this theater if you are tall and cannot afford premium seats. Hey, I thought paying $50 per ticket would get decent seats, but apparently not. Will not go to another performance at this theater.
The music of Christmas performed absolutely flawllesly, wonderful puts you in the holiday spirit.
Great way to start the holiday season. Long time fan. First time to hear them in concert. They were amazing!
I got tickets to the event for my husbands birthday present. The venue was a perfect setting for the performance because my husband does not hear well in the very large venues. The performance itself was absolutely amazing!! It was even more than we expected and we would definitely go again.
The music was great, the concert tickets were over priced, for what was provided. The group is lost in the 90's and needs to put on a show. It was more of an old to middle age concert, no show, no items to keep your intrest. Come on Chip, update the lights,and video. The best was the end, and show on the scrim.
Even better than their CDs. Fabulous! The talent of these muscians is phenomenal. This concert is a definite "must" to put you in the holiday spirit.
The music is always inspiring, but this performance was not. Old and tired and everything we have seen for years. No spark, no one leading the pack-just a clip of Chip Davis. This was musicians just doing their job and no inspiration or performance. I will go back to just the CD's and not attend any future performances.
I have been a huge fan of Mannheim Steamroller for many years but have never seen them perform live. I was on the edge of my seat. Watching for all the different instruments they use to create their unique sound was fascinating. They are a truly talented group of musicians who make it look easy and you can tell they love what they are doing.
We expected a visual show as well as an audio masterpiece. The music was great, but the show was nothing like we expected. With the price of the tickets, there should have more lights, effects, something to really set it apart from listening at home. The only difference from the show and listening to them at home was the stage. We were very disappointed and expected a lot more.
We attended the first Christmas show in Omaha in 1985 and thoroughly enjoyed the then new adventure for Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller. So it was a pleasure to look forward to them coming to Montgomery, and we were not disappointed in the least. We have all listened to the beautiful Christmas sounds and to see it performed live again was a thrill. We hope they return to Montgomery next year.
First time seeing event at Montgomery Performing Arts. Mannheim Steamroller was awesome! They are an extremely talented group of people who got my Christmas season off to a perfect start!
Really disappointed. It was a split ensemble. Musicians are good but the video's shown during play are lame and distracting. Some are so silly they make you giggle.