The Isthmus Brass presents a varied program of virtuosic arrangements of tunes popular with the holiday season. From early classic Christmas carols, to banging big band versions of today’s most popular holiday fare, the Isthmus Brass never fails to impress. Their holiday recordings received the following review from American Record Guide:
“What a terrific Christmas Album! The nicely varied program includes traditional Christmas carols and pieces, festive pops orchestra-style works, and big-band-style selections, all in winsome arrangements and played superbly. I’ve heard lots of Christmas Brass albums over the years—this is one of the best.”
Under the direction of brass-icon, John Stevens, and comprised of the finest professional brass players in the Midwest, the Isthmus Brass is Wisconsin’s premiere large brass ensemble.
Named for a strip of land between Madison’s Mendota and Monona Lakes, the “IB” was established in 2009 by some of the most high-profile brass players in the region who were looking for a way to collaborate and perform together. They initially decided on a course of performing charitable Christmas Concerts, especially for the Porchlight Homeless Charity and at Madison retirement homes. Since then the group has taken off on the professional concert circuit, and is currently being selected to perform in concert series and at music festivals throughout the Midwest.
“The playing is skillful, expressive, and infectiously enthusiastic.”–Barry Kilpatrick, American Record Guide
Website: http://www.isthmusbrass.com/
Individual performance tickets $25. Tickets available in Edgerton at the Edgerton Pharmacy and Piggly Wiggly, in Janesville at Knapton Musik Knotes and Voigt Music Center, and by calling (608) 561-6093. Individual performance tickets can be purchased online at iTickets.com (service fees apply).

All performances are partially funded by the William and Joyce Wartmann Endowment for the Performing Arts.