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Luminare Kicks Off Debut Christmas Tour With Awe-Inspiring Show at The Palladium in Carmel, Indiana

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

If you’ve never heard of Luminare don’t feel out of the loop. They’re a relatively new ensemble who put out their first Christmas album, That Star, last year. The brainchild of its creator/keyboardist, John Blasucci, this is one band you want to catch up on. If you’re interested in the record (which I highly recommend), I had the pleasure of interviewing Blasucci when the album released, and you can read that right HERE.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

At the time That Star dropped on digital platforms, touring was difficult, if not impossible, due to the pandemic. Move up one year and Luminare’s dream of bringing a live show to the masses came true. Their first-ever holiday tour began in Carmel, Indiana Friday, December 3rd. If it’s true that the best things in life are worth waiting for, Luminare solidified that in Carmel.

The performance was held in the strikingly beautiful Palladium at The Center for the Performing Arts. That’s a mouthful, but trust me, this place is worth every last letter in its lengthy name. Perhaps the most gorgeous theater I’ve ever seen, the trip would have been worth it just to drink in all the splendor of the venue. As an added bonus, I was able to witness the debut live performance of an ensemble that brought the Christmas season to life. I was waiting a long time to finally see Luminare do its thing, and they did not disappoint.

Luminare consists of John Blasucci (creator/keyboards), Scotty Kormos (drums), Daniel Peters (guitar), Brad Lang, (bass), Erica Carpenedo (violin), Pino Farina (vocals) and Caitlin Simone (vocals). It needs to be noted that this particular group of musicians had exactly two rehearsals together before the tour, a fact that was definitely not apparent during the performance. They looked as though they’d been playing together forever.

The Palladium itself is immense, and once inside it’s easy to lose your bearings, as it’s round in structure and has numerous doorways and stairways, and unless you’re familiar with it, you can count on having to ask an usher where you’re going. Opened in 2011, the 1600-seat venue is a whopping 151,000 square feet, with soaring ceilings. The Italian marble lobby floors create an air of luxury as you find your way to the theater and your seat.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Once inside the theater area, you can’t help but feeling like you’re in an enormous space, and at the same time, an intimate setting. I’ve been in other theaters that I’ve sensed that, but none quite like this. A welcoming feeling. All the opulence never leaves you with a sensation of the theater being somehow “above” you. It’s grandeur for everyone.

Settled into my comfortable seat, I was pretty confident this show would be good. I had no idea what to expect other than that. As someone who has now experienced Luminare live, I can tell you it exceeded anything I could have imagined.

Photo credit: Patti McClintic

The show opened with haunting vocals and an empty stage, highlighted by a silhouette of a woman behind the curtain. Swirling lights accompanied tracked orchestral music that began to build in intensity,. As the music built to a climax, the figure behind the curtain got larger. As the music began its way down, the silhouette got smaller until it disappeared, at which time the band appeared on stage.

The first of several familiar Christmas numbers was “The Little Drummer Boy.” We all know the tune, but Luminare gives it a whole new treatment. Luminare’s own “drummer boy” Scotty Kormos brings new life to this Christmas classic with power and intensity you can’t help but watch. The smooth, crystal clear vocals of Pino Farina add passion to the tale.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Often we barely notice the bass player, who quietly stands toward the back, providing that all-important bassline to each song in the set. Not the case with Luminare. Brad Lang’s energetic stage movements, including some spinning jumps tells the audience he’s not just about the bass, he’s all in. In addition, he sings harmony on several numbers.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Daniel Peters lends even more rock star fuel to the ensemble with his serious guitar solos. His technique brings to mind some of the guitar greats of our time, and he transitions from electric to acoustic seamlessly.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

A native of Venice, Italy, violinist Erica Carpenedo moves about the stage like an accomplished ballroom dancer, with sparkling dresses and a smile to match. The strings almost appear to follow her, working to keep up with her endless vitality.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Beautifully-executed vocals, along with the ability to really hold a note, those are things Caitlin Simone brings to Luminare. Whether she’s singing an ethereal “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” or the upbeat, pop-inspired “One Christmas Wish,” she delivers luminous lyrics that allow the song’s story to skillfully come through to the listener.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Luminare brought forth a stirring version of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” to the audience in Carmel. A spellbinding video backdrop of a medieval corridor, coupled with Simone’s eerie, yet exquisite vocals, created a sense of awe and the inability to look away. Theatrical Christmas music at its best.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Video courtesy of Patti McClintic and YouTube

A guitar-heavy “O Come All Ye Faithful” electrified by the entire ensemble’s contributions and marked with a huge drum finish proved this was no amateur production, and it was still early.

We were then treated to creator/keyboardist John Blasucci taking center stage to talk about Luminare, its formation and the long wait to bring its music to live audiences.. He told the story of the title track to That Star. How “That Star” isn’t just any star, it’s a star that makes dreams come true. A star that’s fueled by the power of love. The more love we share here on Earth, the more intense the star becomes, thus enabling it to make dreams come true. The epitome of the Christmas spirit.

Not surprisingly, the next song was “That Star.” Pino Farina sang as a video depicting foreboding clouds and earthly elements appeared behind him. A feast for the senses. Blasucci’s vision for Luminare was finally alive. His years of playing jazz piano, touring with Mannheim Steamroller and former Styx member Dennis DeYoung served him well. A wealth of experience with three unique genres provided him with the know-how and inspiration to create the ultimate Christmas production. This was the point where anyone that questioned what Luminare was about had their answer.

Video courtesy of Patti McClintic and YouTube

A longtime Christmas favorite with an instantly recognizable melody, often used in advertising, “Carol of the Bells” was presented with a newfound magnificence. Vibrant violin and the enchanting sounds of the keyboard entranced the crowd until an all-consuming guitar and drum laden pinnacle cemented Luminare’s rightful place in the theatrical Christmas musical genre. Perfectly expressive lighting from Lighting Designer Caleb Delaney, paired with explosive visuals gave “Carol of the Bells” all the potent extras.

Video courtesy of Patti McClintic and YouTube

Vocalist Caitlin Simone had a seat to sing “Like a Child,” a song that reminds us of all the wonder and excitement we felt as kids on Christmas. Accompanying her were Daniel Peters and Brad Lang, both on acoustic guitars and John Blasucci on keys. This mostly stripped-down version highlighted Simone’s voice and allowed Peters and Lang to showcase their other talents.

Video courtesy of Bill McClintic and YouTube

A cool, bluesy guitar solo appropriately set the mood for “Blue Christmas.” Vocals from Simone, Farina and even Peters helped give this favorite holiday tune a breath of fresh air.

Orchestral splendor ran amok with “Winter.” An intense musical experience that made me feel as though the music was coming from inside my own mind, perhaps in a vivid dream. Strings on fire and pounding drums against a backdrop of flashing snowflakes, fireballs and snowscapes conveyed all thoughts of winter in a matter of minutes. A season that can present as peaceful with softly falling flurries, or volatile with blinding snow and brutal winds, winter can be beautiful, but also frightful. This is one number to absolutely not miss if you attend a Luminare show. Definitely wait on your drink run. In fact, don’t miss any of it. They do have an intermission, use it.

“We Three Kings” was written in 1857 by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. It was the first popular American Christmas carol and has been covered countless times, but never before like Luminare. Still familiar, but with its own special twist, including a searing electric guitar solo from Peters and a powerful rhythm section punch, this instrumental brought chills.

Video courtesy of Patti McClintic and YouTube

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Loaded with piano, “Moonlight Fantasy” left concert-goers with a lot to absorb before intermission. Once again, superb lighting and visuals followed the ensemble along to deliver a journey of sight and sound like no other. Carpenedo’s lively violin and Kormos’ thundering drums capped it off with a bang.

Strewn throughout the show, a tracked narration would play while a yule log video was shown on the big screen. A brilliant effect that reminded the audience this was certainly a Christmas production and it had a message. Following one of these narrations, the yule log was replaced by a myriad of whirling geometric shapes and other dreamlike visuals. All of this fantastic sensory-overload was the background for “Ray of Hope,” an uptempo instrumental piece dominated by special effects in shades of violet and blue. This song also marked a wardrobe change for Carpenedo. She moved from glittering blue-violet to a dress of sparkling gold.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

There was a wardrobe switch for Simone as well. She went from black pants to a very “Christmasy” red dress and shoes adorned with silver glitter. She was decked out to sing “One Christmas Wish,” a song about hoping to find love for the holiday. With all the fun this pop tune could conjure up, including big screen visuals of Christmas scenes and bells jingling within the music, this one is catchy and festive.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Christmas love ballads have always been around, with new ones popping up every year. “You Look Like Christmas” should be added to 2021’s list of new favorites. At this time, you’ll only hear it at a Luminare show, as it isn’t yet released. Or you can get a preview by watching the video below. Heartfelt lyrics delivered by the breathtaking vocals of Pino Farina, accompanied by John Blasucci’s warm, rich piano and Peters’ pretty acoustic guitar make this one a show standout.

Video courtesy of Bill McClintic and YouTube

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Yet another orchestral masterpiece comes with “The Battle for Heaven.” This song appears on That Star and it transfers from the studio to the live stage unbelievably well. You will feel as if you’re drowning in its majesty as it builds and builds, beginning with Caitlin Simone’s other-worldly vocals. Every instrument plays a part here and the large screen visuals are spectacular. One of the best choreographed live performances set to video I’ve seen in a very long time.

Video courtesy of Bill McClintic and YouTube

A narrator then told us a short story, accompanied by the backdrop of a beautiful landscape highlighted by a big, shining star. Following was a simply gorgeous violin version of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Also on stage for this were Blasucci and Kormos, but in an understated capacity. No guitars this time around. This was all about serenity.

Video courtesy of Bill McClintic and YouTube

One of the most uplifting Christmas songs of all was raised up a notch higher with Luminare’s version of “Joy to the World” at Carmel’s Palladium. We’ve all heard the term, “joyful noise,” well, I’d like to use that term, but somehow “noise” doesn’t quite fit. There was nothing “noisy” about it, but joyful? Absolutely. Swirling ornaments and Christmas presents, glittering stars and an ensemble working together to create the happiest version of this holiday song ever. The group’s ability to not only play the music expertly, but to radiate joy by how they interact with one another is incredible. A must watch video and also a track on That Star.

Video courtesy of Bill McClintic and YouTube

Blasucci took a breather from the keyboards to come down and introduce the band members, including his right-hand man, Dave Radley, who handles sound and helped put the entire production together. If there’s one thing to take away when it comes to Blasucci it’s that he’s a humble guy. He may have come up with the concept, but he never stops giving credit to those that make Luminare possible. He’s very aware that this project wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for a lot of talented people. That’s admirable to say the very least.

Originally a 13th century tune entitled, “Tempus Adest Floridum,” which translates to “Eastertime Has Come,” “Good King Wenceslas” gained lyrics many years later, when in 1853, hymnwriter John Mason Neale and music editor Thomas Helmore collaborated to create the song we’re familiar with. So, it’s been around a long, long time in one form or another and there’s always room for something new. Why not take four guys with a keyboard, a guitar, a bass and a drum kit and make a version of “Good King Wenceslas” with a familiar melody, but otherwise completely unique? Great plan, and Luminare nails it. A miniature rock opera with fiery visuals that at times might make you think of Disney’s classic attraction “Space Mountain,” as you seemingly fly through a tunnel of red light. This takes a tune as old as time, dusts it off and gives it back to you shiny and new. Musicianship at it’s finest.

Video courtesy of Patti McClintic and YouTube

The old songs didn’t end there. Meet 2021’s take on “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Luminare. Another generous helping of “joyful noise,” where joy is the operative word. What a fabulous performance by everyone in the band, with vocals by Farina and Simone. The positivity generated had me smiling. I’m sure I wasn’t alone. These artists were having the time of their lives and it showed.

Video courtesy of Patti McClintic and YouTube

To round out the performance, a glorious reprise of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” followed by a rousing “The First Noel” finale, complete with dancing gingerbread men and all the festivity of a grand Christmas party. Then, finally, there’s nothing more calming than a flickering candle. Or several. Put those candles with the sweet sounds of an acoustic guitar and an impeccable voice singing “Silent Night” and the show’s gone full circle.

Video courtesy of Patti McClintic and YouTube

Many people love Christmas more than any other time of the year. If that’s you, Luminare needs to become a part of your Christmas traditions. Their music will bring the real meaning of Christmas to you. A joyous celebration. Spending time with people you love. Peacefulness and reflection. The important parts of Christmas. Find their music now and add it to your playlists. If you can’t make it to a show this year, plan for next year. This may have been their first time performing live, but rumor has it they’ve already recorded a second album, and if all goes well, next year’s tour will be longer and even better. I know I’ve got my December 2022 cleared already.

That Star Track List:

  1. We Three Kings
  2. One Christmas Wish (John Blasucci, Joie Scott)
  3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
  4. That Star (John Blasucci, Joie Scott)
  5. I Saw Three Ships
  6. Little Drummer Boy
  7. The Battle for Heaven (John Blasucci)
  8. Joy to the World
  9. Angels We Have Heard on High
  10. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
  11. What Child is This

Stay current with Luminare on their website at luminaremusic.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

Listen to That Star on major digital platforms and subscribe to Luminare’s YouTube Channel.

Photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

For more news, interviews, reviews and features that always bring country (and Christmas) closer, please visit thinkcountrymusic.com

*Featured photo credit: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

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