The Cartoon Christmas Trio celebrates over 25 years as the original interpreter of classic holiday cartoon jazz! The trio was started in 1995 by bassist Rob Swanson for the sole purpose of playing music from classic Christmas cartoons, especially the music of Vince Guaraldi, the composer of the "Peanuts" soundtracks. Since its inception, the trio has played hundreds of shows including live appearances on NBC, ABC, Fox, and NPR. The trio was also honored to perform in Philadelphia’s premiere music venue, The Kimmel Center. In addition, the trio is actively involved in musical outreach and education through an in-school assembly program.

Joining the trio once again this year will be select voices from The Wilmington Childrens Chorus. In addition, our good friend and baritone Grant Youngblood hopes to join us to spread some low-end “Grinchy “spirit! The trio is comprised of Larry Marshall on drums, Jeff Knoettner on piano, and Rob Swanson on Double Bass. The members have over 100 combined years of performance and educational experience that they bring to every event, whether it be a concert or an workshop for children. The trio looks forward to sharing this awesome music with you and yours! 

Performer Bios:

Jeff Knoettner: Jeff Knoettner, a product of the Berklee College of Music, is a pianist, composer, and teacher. He has performed in various festivals, including the Melon Jazz Festival, Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, River Blues Festival, the New York State Blues Festival, Cape May Jazz and Rehoboth Jazz Festivals, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Jeff’s musical proficiency extends to playing the trumpet and organ, composing and arranging. He has performed and recorded with numerous groups, including The Renaissance Quintet, Arpeggio Jazz & Music Ensemble, the Val Ray Experience, Rob Swanson, E. Shawn Qaissaunee, and the Tino Gonzales Band, which has opened for blues legends B.B. King, Buddy Guy,and Charlie Musselwhite.

Larry Marshal has been playing drums since an early age. The art of creating music has been and continues to be a pursuit of truth. Throughout his career, thus far, he has become a Sakae Drum Artist, played and toured with such great artist as Othello Molineaux, Freddie Hubbard, Dr. Donald Byrd, Randy Brecker, Kevin Mahogany, lived and became first call drummer for recording sessions and tours in Japan and Asia. And now, living back in the U.S., continues to tour, record, teach and search for ways to expand his voice through music.

Rob Swanson: Playing bass for over 40 years, Rob has made a name for himself as one of the most versatile working bassists in the Philly metro area. Tripling on Electric, Upright, and Vocals, Rob finds himself in up to 20 different musical configurations on any given month, ranging from straight ahead bebop, groove, world, funk, and rock. Rob has performed at venues across the globe and across the street including The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, The Carl Orff Stage at Gasteig in Munich Germany, and The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival in Wilmington. A graduate of the prestigious West Chester School of Music, Rob balances gigging with a bit of teaching to forward the muse that was passed onto him at an early age.

Wilmington Children’s Chorus: The Wilmington Children’s Chorus is an exceptional and diverse children’s choir for the Greater Wilmington Community of Delaware. The mission of The Wilmington Children’s Chorus (WCC) is to empower young people to change their world through music. We join our voices to spread hope and harmony throughout our city, state, and world through a dedication to artistry, teamwork, and service to others. The Wilmington Children’s Chorus is committed to uniting diverse youth and families by providing free and open access to any qualified child, regardless of financial or social background.

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Ticket Prices:

• General Admission--$15
• Under 18 or 65+ --$10

Made possible through a partnership between the Opera Delaware, Cityfest, Inc and the City of Wilmington. These organizations are supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts EVENTs on DelawareScene.com. 

Special thanks to WRTI 90.1 FM, official media sponsor of the Clifford Brown Year Round series.