'Colors of Christmas' returns to Sarasota

One of the most successful touring Christmas concerts every year is "The Colors of Christmas." The tour gathers together some big-name pop and R&B singers -- there's a different cast every year -- for a sparkling evening of soulful Christmas music.

Bryson, the familiar male voice behind "A Whole New World" from "Aladdin," is joined this time around by "Colors of Christmas" veteran Jennifer Holliday, '80s dance-music diva Taylor Dayne and early "American Idol" star Ruben Studdard.

Holliday reached the big time with her starring role in "Dreamgirls" on Broadway, and her hit song from that show, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." She's built a long and successful recording and concert career since then.

Dayne has had a long list of successful songs, but she's still most widely known for her debut single, the massive MTV hit "Tell It to My Heart."

Studdard is one of the most successful "American Idol" alumni ever. He won Season Two (2003). He's earned a Grammy nomination, had a platinum-selling album and has built a career as a stage and TV actor.

Details: 8 p.m. Dec. 10 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $35-$85. Information: 941-953-3368, vanwezel.org.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published December 4, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "'Colors of Christmas' returns to Sarasota ."