I caught Mannheim Steamroller’s Seattle show at the Paramount, and enjoyed it. Does this mean that I have officially entered middle age, or that the group is just that good?

Grammy Award-winner and creator of the group, Chip Davis directs and co-produces the performances annually, but due to health concerns he no longer tours. There are now two tour groups of Mannheim Steamroller to meet the seasonal demand, including six shows at Orlando’s Universal Studios. The shows feature the Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with multimedia effects, including a medieval-style video synchronized to the live music.  A local classical orchestra performed with the group’s touring performers at each venue.

Already a multi-platinum recording artist in 1984 through its Fresh Aire series, the group released Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, an album combining the group’s signature blend of Renaissance instruments with contemporary beats. The resulting album not only propelled Mannheim Steamroller to become the most successful Christmas music artist in history–did you even know that such statistics were kept?!–but also one of the top 50 biggest selling musical acts, with almost 40 million albums. The group’s annual holiday tour has become a tradition for its avid fans in abundance at the Seattle show.  The group’s relaxed show is a great respite from holiday frenzy.

Photo by Darrell Scattergood.