Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jim Brickman’s virtual holiday show benefits First Interstate Center for the Arts

If you go online Jim Brickman When: 7:30 p.m. Friday Tickets: $40-$125 Info:

jimbrickman.com/spokane

Part of the reason most virtual concerts have fallen flat is due to lack of interaction. An essential element of shows is the give and take between the recording artist and the audience. Jim Brickman understands how important it is to engage with fans.

The pop/new age solo pianist will perform Friday from his Cleveland home studio for a show catered to his Spokane aficionados. There will be a Zoom Room where fans can view and interact with the Grammy-nominated songwriter. There’s even an after show via Zoom where fans can speak with Brickman, who is allowing a percentage of the profits from the concert to go to the First Interstate Center for the Arts.

“I didn’t want to just do a passive livestream event that’s prerecorded,” Brickman said while calling from his Cleveland studio. “You can clap along or laugh and just have a good time. This is about making a connection.”

Brickman, 59, is sending fans a stocking full of Christmas gifts to help set the tone for his “Comfort and Joy at Home” holiday tour. “I make sure fans receive hot chocolate and some jingle bells, which will arrive on your doorstep by the day of the show so they feel as close as possible to me,” Brickman said. “All of that will help with the mood.”

The cerebral recording artist believes fans crave a show that’s experiential. “I know what people are missing during the coronavirus,” Brickman said. “I miss the same things they do, which is other people. The goal for this show is to be experiential. Maybe in the Zoom Room, you’ll be surprised and see some of your friends.”

Expect a mix of Brickman’s hits, such as “The Gift” and “Three Ships,” and Christmas songs, including “Feliz Navidad” and “Silent Night.” “I’m fortunate enough to have songs that have landed on the charts that people still want to hear, and then there are the Christmas tunes,” Brickman said. “I’ll give the people what they want.”

Brickman never puts a setlist together. Hours before the show, he’ll check social media for requests. “I might get something like, ‘Can you play this tonight because it’s our anniversary,’ ” Brickman said. “I pay attention to what people are asking for.”

Expect material from Brickman’s latest Christmas album, “Soothe: Volume 6,” and special guests to join the laidback composer. Perhaps Jewel, Meghan Trainor, Five for Fighting, Matt Nathanson or Train will accompany Brickman for the show. “I’ve become friends with some very talented people,” Brickman said. “I’ve been fortunate enough that some of those friends will join me for my shows.”

Those who enjoy elegant, peaceful songs should be pleased with Brickman’s gentle work. “What I write is about strong melodies and developing that emotional connection,” Brickman said. “I’m just fortunate that what I like to write and record connects with an audience. I’ve been lucky to be able to do this for so many years.”

It’s been 26 years since the release of Brickman’s debut album, “No Words,” and he has been a workhorse since the Clinton era. The prolific Brickman has released more than 50 albums in just over a quarter century. “I’m lucky that I get to do what I love,” Brickman said. “I understand it, and I give back.”

Brickman is contributing to the FICA due to his relationship with the theater and love of Spokane. “I’ve had a special relationship with Spokane, and I love that theater,” Brickman said. “I remember playing there during the early 2000s when it was the Opera House. I’m about building relationships with theaters and communities. I’ve received so much support from Spokane.

“I would like to keep the theater in people’s minds because they’re not presenting anything right now. It’ll seem like I’m on that stage when I perform. When you see me, it’s not going to be like I’m sitting on my couch playing the piano. People are going to be pleasantly surprised how the show is and the connection that we’ll make.”

Brickman wishes he was physically playing in Spokane since he enjoys the city and knows his way around. “What’s so funny is that I’ve played Spokane so many times that whenever I land at the airport there, I know exactly how to get downtown,” Brickman said. “I know the exit and how to get to the Red Lion (BBQ & Pub).

“I remember doing a show at the old Armory right across from The Spokesman-Review. I have so many great memories of Spokane. I’m looking forward to returning there, but in the meantime I’m performing but trying to connect with everyone who checks out my show.”

Brickman’s virtual live concert is slated for Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40 for the silver package, the virtual concert; $75 for the gold package, the virtual concert, the ability to interact with Brickman in the Zoom Room and a stocking full of Christmas gifts delivered to your door; and $125 for the diamond package, which includes everything from the gold package, plus an after-show party with Brickman.

For more information, go to jimbrickman.com/spokane.