Tuba Christmas
Golden State Theatre | 417 Alvarado St., Monterey | (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com
Tuba Christmas began in 1974 as one musician’s dedication to his tuba teacher, and has been popping up in different cities since – 302 around the world now. On Dec. 11, 2016, Golden State Theatre hosted the second annual Tuba Christmas Monterey, an ensemble of 52 amateur or professional tuba and euphonium players who answered the call and spontaneously came together, rehearsed for 90 minutes, then went on stage and put on an all-brass concert of classic Christmas hits, including “Deck the Halls,” “O Holy Night,” “Away in the Manger” and “Jingle Bells.” The players wore red and green sweaters, elf hats, Santa hats, knit beanie caps with “Tuba Christmas” embroidered on them. Their conductor urged the capacity audience to sing along. Even Darth Vader was like, “The Christmas spirit is strong with this one.”