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Something to Sing About: Pentatonix Fills Xcel Energy Center with Holiday Cheer

Pentatonix Christmas concert, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Last updated on December 3rd, 2023 at 10:13 am

Playing their best-selling show ever right here in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Pentatonix kicked off the local holiday concert season with their “Most Wonderful Tour of the Year.”

The capacity crowd spanned a wide range of ages, some dressed in holiday attire, and all delighted to witness the vocal group’s dynamic talents in an enchanting holiday concert.

Pentatonix Christmas concert, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Pentatonix began with an encapsulation of their song range, opening with a medley of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Then, their pre-intermission set continued with a mix of deeply spiritual (“Mary Did You Know”) to traditional favorites (“Sleigh Ride”).

Pentatonix Christmas concert, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

All throughout the concert, Pentatonix spun their vocal-only style on songs, harmonizing around each member’s strengths. The result often augmented or elevated the selection, which was particularly evident in their rendition of “12 Days of Christmas.”

Pentatonix Christmas concert, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

A highlight of the opening was their “Wheel of Christmas”: they spun a wheel of Christmas songs and sang whatever it landed on. Fans cheered loudly for the first result, “Making Christmas.” That was followed by one of the most lively renditions of “Feliz Navidad” you can hear.

Pentatonix Christmas concert, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

For the third wheel result, “Jingle Bells,” singer Scott Hoying chuckled and commented that they have four different versions they could sing. They opted for the rapid Barbra Streisand version.

Pentatonix Christmas concert, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Keeping in the spirit, Pentatonix included some original holiday songs. “Kid on Christmas,” a duet they recorded with Meghan Trainor, holds up with any Mariah Carey song currently on the radio. They closed with the wishful “Please Santa Please,” and eschewed their vocals-only format for “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” with members Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee rocking out on cello and drums.

Pentatonix Christmas concert, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

If there was a motif that carried throughout the night, it was gratitude, with group members sharing deeply personal stories of giving thanks. Matt Sallee sang “Amazing Grace,” the first song he learned on piano with his father. Kristin Maldonado sang a medley of “Pure Imagination,” “Christmas Time is Here,” and “Old Toy Trains” for her young daughter. And the crowd was thanked repeatedly, echoing the group’s gratitude for their biggest show yet.

Pentatonix Christmas concert, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

And while humble, Pentatonix also knows how to be theatrical, or as Scott Hoying commented, having a “diva moment”. He orchestrated a timed phone flashlight reveal over “Hallelujah” chorus variations as he walked around the stadium floor. While a cool visual moment, it seemed a bit disjointed since they sang their most streamed song again later as the encore. (Check their TikTok for the video drop.)

Pentatonix Christmas concert, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Nevertheless, Pentatonix delivered a performance that was as thoughtful as it was entertaining and full of genuine Christmas spirit. If you want to liven up your holiday playlist, listen to their latest release, The Greatest Christmas Hits.

Pentatonix Christmas concert, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Written by James Perovich

Believer in natural light, minimal conceptualization, and perfect timing.

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