About this Event
8th Annual Jazzed Up Christmas
Saturday, December 5, 2026
7:00–9:30 PM | Doors Open at 6:15 PM
Roof Garden Ballroom | Historic Arnolds Park, Iowa
A Night of Holiday Magic & Swing!
The holidays are about to get a whole lot jazzier!
Jazzed Up Big Band returns to the historic Roof Garden Ballroom for the 8th Annual Jazzed Up Christmas—an unforgettable evening of spectacular big band music, holiday favorites, and the kind of musical excitement that has made this one of the Iowa Great Lakes' most anticipated holiday traditions.
After another outstanding summer season, our 16-piece big band returns with an exciting holiday production featuring Shawn Cable and Terri Jo Jenkins.
With sold-out performances in both 2024 and 2025, Jazzed Up Christmas has become a holiday tradition you won't want to miss!
This Isn't Your Ordinary Christmas Concert!
Forget the predictable holiday playlist. Jazzed Up Christmas takes the music you know and love and gives it the full big band treatment—soaring brass, swinging saxophones, driving rhythms, inventive arrangements, and outstanding vocal performances.
From elegant holiday ballads to high-energy jazz showstoppers, this is Christmas music with a little more swing, a lot more brass, and plenty of surprises along the way.
Here's what makes Jazzed Up Christmas special:
- A powerhouse 16-piece big band featuring some of the region's finest jazz musicians
- Spectacular arrangements of traditional and contemporary holiday favorites
- Outstanding vocal performances from Shawn Cable and Terri Jo Jenkins
- Exciting instrumental features and solos that showcase the band's extraordinary musicianship
- New arrangements and musical surprises alongside returning audience favorites
- A festive audience sing-along that has become a Jazzed Up Christmas tradition
Whether you've joined us every year or you're experiencing Jazzed Up Christmas for the first time, expect an evening filled with wonderful music, holiday spirit, and a few moments that might just bring you to your feet!
Meet Our Featured Vocalists
Shawn Cable
Returning to Jazzed Up Christmas is Shawn Cable, two-time Emmy® Award-winning meteorologist and Chief Meteorologist at KEYC in Mankato, Minnesota. But long before he became a familiar face on television, Shawn earned his bachelor's degree in choral and vocal music from South Dakota State University.
An accomplished vocalist, Shawn has appeared as a featured soloist with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and the Sioux Empire Brass Society, and has performed with former White House pianist Erik Apland.
With his rich, powerful voice, engaging personality, and remarkable musical versatility, Shawn has become an audience favorite at Jazzed Up Christmas. His stirring rendition of “O Holy Night” has become one of the show's most anticipated traditions, bringing audiences to their feet year after year.
Terri Jo Jenkins
We're delighted to welcome Omaha-based vocalist Terri Jo Jenkins to Jazzed Up Christmas 2026!
An accomplished jazz vocalist, singer-songwriter, and recording artist, Terri Jo has performed across the United States and internationally, including a performance at the Jazz en Vercors festival in France with Colorado's Park Hill Brass.
Her musical career spans jazz, folk, and original songwriting, with performances at major jazz festivals, appearances on nationally syndicated radio programs, and several acclaimed recordings. Her 2016 jazz album, From This Moment, features some of Colorado's finest jazz musicians, including pianist Jeff Jenkins, bassist Ken Walker, and trumpeter Brad Goode.
Known for her expressive vocals, musical versatility, and engaging stage presence, Terri Jo brings a wealth of experience and artistry to the stage.
We're excited to introduce Terri Jo to our Jazzed Up Christmas audience and hear her alongside Shawn Cable and the Jazzed Up Big Band!
The Music of Jazzed Up Christmas
One of the things that makes Jazzed Up Christmas special is the music itself. We don't simply play Christmas carols—we bring you imaginative big band arrangements inspired by some of the greatest names in jazz and popular music.
This year's program will feature a combination of returning favorites and exciting new selections, including music inspired by:
- Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! — Michael Bublé-style swing
- Cool Yule — Louis Armstrong, in the spirit of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Catherine Russell
- Merry Christmas Darling — The Carpenters' beloved holiday ballad
- Santa Claus Is Coming to Town — Harry Connick Jr.-inspired swing
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen — Gordon Goodwin's powerhouse big band arrangement
- Rudolph's Mambo — A Latin-flavored audience favorite
- O Holy Night — Shawn Cable's breathtaking signature performance
Plus new arrangements, special vocal features, and a few musical surprises we're keeping under wraps!
Musical selections may change as we finalize this year's program.
A Holiday Tradition Worth Sharing
There's something magical about hearing a great big band in the historic Roof Garden Ballroom, especially during the Christmas season.
For eight years, Jazzed Up Christmas has brought together exceptional musicians, enthusiastic audiences, and the timeless joy of live holiday music.
It's a wonderful way to celebrate the season with family, friends, coworkers, or someone special. Whether you're making it an annual tradition or starting a new one, we'd love to have you join us.
Great music. Great friends. A beautiful ballroom. And Christmas with plenty of swing!
Tickets & Seating
General Admission: Starting at $35 per person, plus applicable taxes and fees
VIP Seating & Booths: $50 per seat, plus applicable taxes and fees
We've kept our ticket prices unchanged for 2026, despite rising production costs, to keep this special holiday tradition accessible to as many music lovers as possible.
Our 2024 and 2025 performances sold out, so we strongly encourage you to reserve your seats early!
About Jazzed Up Big Band
Founded in 2014, Jazzed Up Big Band is a 16-piece contemporary jazz orchestra dedicated to keeping big band music's excitement and artistry alive in the Iowa Great Lakes region.
From the classic swing of Count Basie to the contemporary sounds of Gordon Goodwin, Tom Kubis, and beyond, Jazzed Up Big Band celebrates the full spectrum of big band jazz with exceptional musicianship, imaginative arrangements, and an infectious love of the music.
The band is best known for its summer concert series at the historic Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park, where it has entertained audiences for 13 seasons.
Join us Saturday, December 5, for the 8th Annual Jazzed Up Christmas. We can't wait to swing into the holidays with you!
Event venue & nearby stays
Roof Garden Ballroom, 91 Lake Street, Arnolds Park, United States
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