Christmas Wish

words and image courtesy Jonathan Karrant

FFort Smith native Jonathan Karrant's highly anticipated holiday album is set for release on November 11, 2022. Joining forces with the incomparable Joe Alterman Trio, this once-in-a-lifetime record features Grammy-winning jazz legend Diane Schuur, renowned saxophonist Houston Person, and trumpeter of jazz at Lincoln Center Kenny Rampton. This incredible team of artists have reimagined twelve of the most beloved holiday songs and brought new life with profound and unique arrangements.

The single, “Grown Up Christmas List,” has already received national attention. The duet with Diane Schuur is a reimagined arrangement of a David Foster classic. Diane and Jonathan's voices weave together with a spiritual cry for peace, breathing new life into this timely message.

Jonathan will be performing at 906 Lounge in Downtown Fort Smith on December 18 and 19. When Jonathan takes the stage, 906 will transform into a Las Vegas supper club showroom as he performs songs from the album and shares some of his favorite Christmas memories. The evening will leave you filled with the holiday spirit!

Jonathan, born and raised in Fort Smith, sang his first solo at the First Methodist Church at the young age of six under the direction of Nancy Vernon. Throughout his youth, Jonathan participated in many local plays, recitals, and musical events and was a choir member at both Ramsey Junior High and Southside High School. At Southside he wowed audiences in the theater department led by Joann Elsken. After graduation Jonathan was accepted to the William Esper Performing Arts Academy and moved to New York City, and immediately began working at the Metropolitan Opera House in major productions. During a brief stay back in Fort Smith, Jonathan connected with Don and Terri Bailey who took him under their wings and featured him in their Big Band.

The next stop was California where he began paving the way for his music career, performing in some of the finest music venues and working with renowned musicians. His debut album On and On hit number four on the Billboard Jazz Charts and Jonathan toured the States as well as Europe. After relocating to Las Vegas, he recorded his second album LIVE at The Smith Center, that album reached number two on the iTunes Jazz Charts. He has many received honors including the New York City Cabaret Jazz Honors, “Best Singer” for the Bravo California Awards and was named one of the top ten rising vocalists by Downbeat.

Jonathan loves returning to his hometown to visit with friends and family and perform. He can’t wait to share and celebrate his new holiday album Christmas Wish with you at 906 Lounge!

Jonathan Karrant’s Christmas Wish at 906 Cocktail Lounge Sunday December 18, 5PM & Monday December 19, 7PM 906 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas | 479.434.4343