Features

Premier Event: Jim McDonough Returns with his Orchestra for Christmas at Five Flags

An Iowa holiday staple is making a return this year – following a pandemic-related hiatus since 2019 – with a statewide concert series entitled Christmas with Jim McDonough and His Orchestra: The 20th Anniversary Tour.”

Tickets for the seven-city tour, including a performance at the Five Flags Theater in Dubuque on Sunday, December 11th at 2:30 PM, are on sale now. Other tour stops include the cities of DeWitt, Ottumwa, Coralville, Des Moines, Cedar Falls, and Cedar Rapids.

New for 2022, this spectacular holiday stage production features acclaimed International Steinway Artist Jim McDonough performing on a concert grand piano, his professional 15-piece orchestra, a cast of sensational singers and dancers, elaborate sets and costumes, and the true spirit of the season.

The tour will deliver the message of Christmas in a production perfect for all generations.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to resume this special holiday tradition, and to do so as I celebrate my 20th year in show business is extra meaningful,” McDonough said. “We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure this year’s show is fitting of this milestone anniversary.”

McDonough continued, “With a new stage set and the most spectacular musical arrangements we’ve ever brought to the stage, it’s sure to be the grandest event of the season!”

McDonough says his first holiday show 20 years ago wasn’t as elaborate as what we see today.

“In 2002, the show started as a single performance in my hometown of Monticello. It simply consisted of me at the piano, with some of my family recruited to help backstage,” he said. “I added to the size of the show each year, and it wasn’t long before it grew to include an onstage orchestra, a cast of singers and dancers, and a full technical crew to support the growing production.”

In addition to adding to the presentation, McDonough decided to begin traveling with his show to other cities, turning it into a concert tour.

“Actually, Dubuque was the first city I ventured to when I expanded the show to include other venues,” McDonough said. “I’ve always felt such wonderful support from the entire tri-state region, and to this day, the performance in Dubuque truly feels like a ‘home show’ to me. The audience in Dubuque has been so loyal over the years, and is extremely warm and responsive. I always look forward to seeing everyone who has made this show part of their holiday tradition – and I love to welcome new friends to the tradition as well!”

All seating is reserved. Tickets to the Dubuque performance are $58-68, and are available online at TicketMaster.com, by calling (800) 982-2787, or to avoid convenience fees, purchase in person at the Five Flags Box Office. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more.

For more information, visit PianoFavorites.com.

Legendary piano maker, Steinway & Sons, names Jim McDonough to its worldwide artist roster. From classical pianists like Lang Lang, to jazz stars like Diana Krall and Harry Connick Jr., to pop icons like Billy Joel, to “immortals” like Irving Berlin and Cole Porter; as a Steinway Artist, McDonough joins an exclusive international list of the most accomplished and discriminating performing artists.

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