For the past 12 years, The Jivin’ Belles have made the holiday season a little brighter with their swing-era renditions of classic Christmas music. This year, the trio returns with numerous performances in the Edmonton area promising nostalgic harmonies, playful surprises, and the unmistakable sparkle that has captured audiences of all ages.
Kate Blechinger, Mallory Chipman, and Emily Guthrie first got together in 2013 over a shared love of 1940s fashion, The Andrews Sisters, and Christmas. “We all loved the Bing Crosby Merry Christmas album and thought we’d do a one-off holiday fundraiser,” recalls Blechinger. “It was so fun and so popular that we realized we could do this all year.”
The trio has since added instrumentalists Murray Wood and Brett Hansen to the mix, as well as expanded their catalogue to include swing-era renditions of pop music from the 1930s up to the present day. However, performing during the holidays has remained a high point for the group.
“It’s a very fun band to be in—very campy and corny,” Blechinger says. “I haven’t seen anyone leave our shows with a frown on their face, so I think it really does bring people some Christmas cheer.”
With more than a decade of performing under their belts, The Jivin’ Belles certainly know a thing or two about Christmas music. “I almost categorize Christmas songs in my brain,” Blechinger says. “There are snow songs, Santa songs, gathering-together songs, love songs.”
As far as favourites go, however, the group can’t settle on just one. Whether it’s the cheekiness of “Santa Baby,” the campiness of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” or the sentimentality of “Silent Night,” The Jivin’ Belles aim to bring something for everyone to their performances this holiday season.
“We sing a lot in harmony, which feels extra special around the holidays because it’s a time of togetherness,” explains Blechinger. “In a sense, we’re gathering with our voices too and lifting them in song. I’m really looking forward to sharing Christmas and holiday music with others.”
The Jivin’ Belles are ringing in the holiday season with numerous performances across the Edmonton area, starting with the YEG Xmas Market at Fort Edmonton Park on Friday, December 5. Visit thejivinbelles.com for a complete listing of upcoming shows.