Joy to the World: A Sacred Celebration
Saturday, December 14th @ 7 PM – Cedar City’s Heritage Theater
Tuesday, December 17th @ 7 PM – Crimson Cliffs High School
Jenny Oaks Baker is a Grammy-nominated and Billboard No. 1 concert violinist who will be bringing her show, “Joy to the World: A Sacred Celebration,” now in its fifth year, to 15 cities, including Cedar City’s Heritage Theater, St. George’s Crimson Cliffs High School and UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall.
“It’s that time of year again!” Jenny commented. “This show is about gathering and unifying us all as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.”
Baker explained that immediately after last year’s 20-city tour, before the calendar had even hit 2024, she felt prompted to make some changes to the set list. “I’ve loved our show since we debuted it back in 2020 at Tuacahn,” Baker said. “But the more it’s grown and evolved, the more the Spirit whispered to me that it needed more international flavor.” So, Baker introduced new numbers that honor all corners of the globe.
The show now includes a version of “O Come All Ye Faithful” with gospel choir, “Patapan” with lively gypsy flavor, the soul-filling “O Holy Night” from France, and a unique spin on “Little Drummer Boy with African beats and rhythm. Other numbers pay homage to Scandinavia, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States.
Baker’s four accomplished children – Laura, Hannah, Sarah, and Matthew – will be joining her on stage: as well local choirs, Irish and Ballet dancers, baritone Preston Yates, and former Celtic Woman star Alex Sharpe. “These performers all bring so much love and light to the stage,” Baker said. “It’s going to be a spectacular show!”
The New York Times bestselling author Jason F. Wright, who wrote the original script and its variations through the years, returns as John, the shepherd narrator. “When I first wrote this script, I had no idea I’d also be narrating it. But as my role has evolved, I feel like I’ve become a dear friend of this shaggy shepherd. I’m beyond blessed to step into this shepherd’s life as a personal witness of the birth of Jesus Christ.”
Baker and her family’s focus remains singular on what matters most. “There are so many things we love about ‘Joy to the World,’” Baker concluded. “But no song, no singer, no dancer, and certainly no member of my family matters more than the One we truly honor with this show. This tour, this season, and all we do is about Jesus Christ.”
Visit JennyOaksBaker.com to purchase tickets and find more information.
