The holiday season means a change of pace for composer and percussionist Tom Sharpe. During November and December, he takes time away from his own schedule to perform with the Grammy Award-winning group Mannheim Steamroller.
“We all block that time out every year,” he says of the 15 musicians who play with Mannheim Steamroller. “We want to reach as many people as we can. There is such a demand for this Christmas show.”
The show, coming to Altria Theater on Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m., is as high energy for the musicians as it is for the audience. “I wouldn’t be able to jump in and work on Mannheim in late October. It’s never far from my thoughts and practice routine,” he says of the 10 months leading up to the show.
Sharpe has a lot going on in his life. He feels fortunate to have worked in all different genres with all types of artists.
“All of us in Mannheim Steamroller have a different story, but it’s really the same. We go home after the holiday season and catch our breath and then we are off on our own musical endeavors,” he says.
Eighteen Years of Making Beautiful Music
Sharpe, who trained in classical percussion, not only performs solo but he also plays with who’s who of musical talent including Martina McBride, American Idol favorite David Archuletta and Dennis DeYoung of the famed rock group Styx. He was on tour 18 years ago with DeYoung when he was approached about an opening with Mannheim Steamroller.
“My name got to Chip Davis who started Mannheim when he was looking for a drummer,” Sharpe says. “I was on tour with Dennis and now here I am 18 years later. It’s such a blessing in my life to have this and spread joy through the holiday season.”
Sharpe and the entire group are carrying on a legacy. “We approach it with great care,” he says. “We are not just playing Christmas concerts — we are playing Christmas traditions.”
All the members feel blessed that they have played for generations of families. “We have been privileged to carry this torch for Chip Davis’ legacy.”
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album and the 50th anniversary of the group’s first Fresh Aire album, part of a series of albums that blended classical music with other genres such as rock.
“Every year Chip creates shows that have pieces we play every year, but he does it in a fresh new way,” Sharpe says, adding that this year the group will be playing selections from its Fresh Aire catalog. But don’t worry, “we will never have you leave saying you wish we had played Silent Night — we are doing that as well!”
Mannheim Steamroller will perform at Altria Theater on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:30 p.m. For info and tickets, go to altriatheater.com.
