by photojournalist Jeffrey Moellering
Renowned jazz saxophonist Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2025 descended upon Clearwater this Thanksgiving week for their annual show of holiday favorites, marking the 28th year of the beloved program, known for its warmth, musicianship and soulful human touch.
Dave has achieved nearly every accolade imaginable, working with industry greats like Richard Marx, playing on and composing music for TV, releasing 23 albums, including this year’s Grammy-nominated duet with pianist Bob James, hosting a Sirius XM radio show, garnering a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and releasing 8 holiday themed albums. Dave’s holiday shows have become so legendary, that he’s often referred to as “Santa Koz” this time of year!
Many Ruth Eckerd attendees remarked that they have been to a dozen or more of Dave’s holiday shows, and it truly marked the beginning of their holiday season each year.
It’s not difficult to see why. Dave has an easy grace and fluidity as a bandleader and player, commanding 8 musicians plus himself, with fresh arrangements of holiday classics in a humorous, soulful and endearing way that could melt the hardest of hearts. Multi-instrumentalist Casey Adams wrote a song that was all about why he doesn’t like Christmas songs, which allowed the “Scrooges” in the crowd a way to convince themselves that maybe it wasn’t so bad.
Koz always assembles an array of talent, each of whom could showcase an entire show of their own, and indeed they do.
Pianist Kayla Waters had the chops to play Beethoven, and the funk of Herbie Hancock. Vocalist Haley Reinhart was absolutely stunning, dressed like a Christmas clad Jessica Rabbit, and a voice both operatic and heartfelt. She delivered a mesmerizing version of Ave Maria, and a touching rendition of the Elvis classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. I think everyone in the house was in love with her after that one! Later, she emerged with slippers on, and did a charming version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, with Dave urging her to stay. Ultimately, he tried to convince her of his sincerity by pleading that “I’m gay, you don’t have to worry!”
South African guitarist and vocalist Jonathan Butler performed a several minute version of “Oh Holy Night” that was simply jaw dropping, adding verses and sections to the song that I’d never heard. That was certainly a highlight of the evening.
Each player was given a chance to shine, and they surely did; wowing the Clearwater crowd with their talent. Leading them all was Santa Koz himself, now in his early 60s, with the energy and nimbleness of someone decades younger, jumping onto the piano bench, dancing and circling around performers and playfully interacting with the band members in acting out the spirit of the songs. It was 2 hours plus of nice and a little bit naughty good holiday fun!
Dave Koz wins new fans with every first-time attendee, including myself. You can be certain I’ll be at his 2026 holiday show. If you’re a music fan and think Christmas songs are simply dusty records your grandparents used to play, Dave will definitely inject a dose of warm and uplifting yuletide joy into your holiday mug!
