A voice rooted in joy, connection, and the unmistakable groove of Motown, Corey Ronell brings heart and holiday spirit to A Tribute to Motown Christmas. For Corey, the magic of this performance lies not only in the music itself, but also in the feeling it creates—families coming together, audiences singing along, and timeless Motown classics wrapped in the warmth of the season. As he steps onstage, Corey channels both the legacy of the artists who shaped Motown’s sound and the excitement of sharing those beloved holiday favorites with a new generation.
What excites you most about bringing A Tribute to Motown Christmas to life on stage?
What excites me is bringing the spirit of Christmas to families! What better way than to sing some of the best Christmas songs that some of your favorite Motown artists have sung or covered! It’s such an amazing feeling to see everyone vibing with the performer while we are having just as much fun!
Motown has such an iconic sound. What’s the key to capturing that spirit while still making the performance feel fresh and personal?
The key is number one, having fun! If you’re not having fun, then why perform, right? Number two, connect with the audience! Get them engaged in songs they may know, as much as possible! And number three, as a performer, we have to tap into that Christmas spirit as well!
Are there certain holiday songs in the set that feel especially meaningful or fun for you to perform?
Who doesn’t love Stevie Wonder? I think honing the spirit of Stevie while singing Christmas music is a double-edged sword! They go hand in hand and will be fun for the whole crowd!
For audiences coming with family or friends, what kind of experience do you hope they share together?
The Christmas holiday IS for family and time WITH your families! So we are hoping that this just brings them closer together as they get into the Christmas spirit with us!
Do you have any holiday traditions or musical memories that inspire how you approach this performance?
I don’t necessarily have any traditions, but any time I get a chance to perform any type of holiday music, it gives you all the feels! It’s always a wonderful time!
For Corey, performing holiday music is all about joy, the kind that lights up a room, brings people closer, and reminds us why these songs endure year after year. His enthusiasm, grounded in connection and the shared experience of live music, helps shape A Tribute to Motown Christmas into a celebration for all ages. As audiences gather with loved ones, Corey hopes they’ll leave the theater feeling uplifted, inspired, and wrapped in the spirit of the season—Motown style.
December 13, at 7:30 p.m.
A Tribute to Motown Christmas
Groove into the season with A Tribute to Motown Christmas—a soulful blend of Motown classics and holiday favorites that brings joy, nostalgia, and festive sparkle to the stage.
Perfect for families and friends looking to make lasting holiday memories together.
Curated by A Gammage Solutions and Bishop’s House Productions. Made possible by the Edward DeBartolo, Jr. Excellence Fund.
