It’s back! After a wildly popular Premiere in 2023, Bending Toward the Light…a Jazz Nativity will be performed December 4th, 7th, and 11th at Hope Lutheran Center for the Arts. Join the Bozeman community in celebrating the love and joy of the Holiday season with this Jazz Nativity, with its ever- valuable message!  First produced in New York City in 1985, this acclaimed event celebrates 40 years of top-tier musicians bringing inspiration to enthusiastic audiences. Through the seasons, the show’s composer / arranger Anne Phillips has welcomed such musical greats as Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Ron Carter, Tito Puente, the list goes on.  Along with Phillip’s wonderful arrangements of familiar carols, the production features original music composed by Bob Kindred, and Iola and Dave Brubeck.  Dr. Shane Doyle, Apsáalooke, will open Bozeman’s second annual production with an indigenous honor song and his daughter Lillian Doyle will support his piece with a traditional dance. MSU Professor of Music and Grammy Award Winner, Ryan Matzinger, will conduct the shows which includes local luminaries Jeni Fleming (Mary), Jake Fleming (a ‘King’) Lori Rosolowsky (piano), tap queen Katherine Kramer (Quing), the Big Sky Voices, Maddisen Sheedy, a beautiful rhythm section, members of The One O’clock Concert Jazz Ensemble and a 40+ member Choir. The debut cast of characters and musicians will be polishing their brass, tuning their guitars, and lifting their voices in preparation for three thrilling performances.      MSU President Dr. Brock Tessman and his wife Kristen will serve as HOSTs of the opening night performance bringing their own interpretation to the words CBS Journalist Charles Kuralt wrote and delivered at Lincoln Center when he steered the same position. Charles Kuralt's Prologue proclaims:  ...LIGHT SERVES ...AS A SYMBOL OF TRUTH AND LOVE . . . .AND HOPE. HOPE THAT EVEN IN A DARK SEASON, WE MAY BEGIN TO SEE THE WORLD. . . BENDING TOWARDS THE LIGHT. At each performance, the cast and crew will honor Montana organizations which encourage and support our community to live in the light of inclusion and equity for all. December 4th spotlights Montana PBS and Yellowstone Public Radio; December 7th will shine a light on Warriors & Quiet Waters, Thursday, December 11th, we honor Bozeman Art Museum in the Schools, Eagle Mount, Greater Gallatin United Way, Montana Mindfullness, Montana Shakespeare In The Schools, Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, Thrive and all organizations helping children express love, kindness, and creativity. Produced by Beth Ann Kennedy, Aunahil, Kindred Spirits and the Hope Lutheran Center for the Arts. Tickets are $20 - $50, available now at ________.com. It’s not too early to plan your Holiday Season (the debut performances in 2023 sold out!) Come support the light in your community while enjoying a truly uplifting experience.  Thursday performances (December 4th and 11th ) begin at 7:00 PM; the Sunday, December 7th show starts at 4:00 PM. Hope Lutheran Church is located at 2152 Graf Street in Bozeman. By the end of The Jazz Nativity you know you’ve been through something wonderful… a stirring celebration of Christmas! ~ Dr. Billy Taylor, CBS Sunday Morning Anne Philips has created a compelling experience in which the secular and sacred swirl and soar! ~ Chuck Berg, Topeka News Journal The memory of this extraordinary performance will keep Christmas in your heart forever! ~ Alison Steele, City Guide, New York