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| Kim, Dan, Cerissa, & Camille Christian and Travis Lantz |
It’s been said that love makes the world go round, and for National and International accordion champions, Kim and Dan Christian it’s also music that makes their world go round.
Because of their shared love of music and their undeniable talents, the two have launched a musical journey to the live entertainment capital, Branson, Mo., where they are opening their original show, Music Makes the World Go Round in April.
"We’ve worked many years to bring the production of Music Makes the World Go Round to Branson. This became a goal for us after we performed at Silver Dollar City. Since Branson is the live entertainment capital of the United States, a virtual playground designed for people who really love music, it is the perfect location for our family and show," said Dan Christian. He and his wife, Kim, have written, produced and star in the show that features the entire Christian family along with a cast including a drummer and dancers.
The show is an interactive production, a visual and audio tour around the world featuring the music, dances and vistas of several of the most beautiful countries of the world. The second half shows the diversity of several different styles of American music. The production presents the versatility and virtuosity of the accordion through songs such as Danny Boy, White Cliffs of Dover, Lady of Spain, Can Can, Santa Lucia, Zorba the Greek, Sabre Dance, Malaguena, Tea for Two, Aaron Copland’s Hoe Down, Old Time Religion, Rock Around the Clock, and God Bless America.
The Christians share a deep love for each other and a passion for their music. The selections for their show reflect their vast experience of performing for all different types of audiences throughout the United States and abroad.
Kim Christian comes by her talent naturally. She is the daughter of successful accordion teachers, performers and retail accordion entrepreneurs Mike and Alice Aman of Denver and Colorado Springs. In addition to her US National Championship and World bronze medal, she has won the Accordion Federation of North America Virtuoso Solo and won the Rocky Mountain Accordion Society (RMAS) Virtuoso Solo twice. Her students have won full music scholarships to Denver University and her accordion bands have won numerous awards also.
Dan Christian has established himself as being the best of the best in competitions across the United States and is the winner of the prestigious Galla-Rini Award that requires a three-time consecutive win of the RMAS Virtuoso Solo category. As one of the premier directors of accordion orchestras in the nation, he has an unparalleled record of first place wins including National Champion Orchestra. His experience of arranging and transcribing hundreds of pieces for the accordion including entire symphonic scores such as Tschaikovsky’s Symphonies 4, 5 and 6, Dvorak’s New World Symphony and many others is evident in the arrangements for Music Makes the World Go Round.
The Christians unique ability to play together with exact precision is inimitable. Among the finest accordionists in the world, the Christians have built a reputation of having excellent technique and mastery of the accordion. From Beijing and Puerta Vallarta to Las Vegas, Disney Land and Silver Dollar City, hundreds of thousands have been intrigued with the fascinating finger and bellows techniques displayed by these accordion maestros.
Daughter Cerissa Christian, 17, has been performing since she was three. She has won dozens of first place trophies on the accordion, and has been extensively involved in choirs. She is a member of the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale and has been section leader for her high school madrigal choir. She also plays the piano and drums.
Daughter Camille Christian, 14, has also been performing since a very young age. She has won several awards as an accordionist, and has become a great trumpet player. Camille was honored to be part of an audition only choir, and was commended for being a leader in her section.
Watch for baby Quintin’s appearance in the show in kilts and lederhosen.
Drummer/Percussionist Travis Lantz of Colorado Springs is making the move to Branson as well. He has an extensive musical background including performing with accordion bands as a child. He earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from Colorado Christian University. He did a summer tour performing on the Princess Cruise Line and has extensive performance experience with college and church bands.
Music Makes the World Go Round is a 2 p.m. show at Branson’s new and exciting Tower Theatre at the Shoppes at Branson Meadows, 4600 Gretna Rd., Branson, Mo. Call toll free 1-888-4MUSIC9 (1-888-468-7429).