Songs for Hope 10th Annual Holiday Music Spectacular

featuring the Adrian Dunn Singers presented by Seein’ is Believin’

A banner display with a rich red background and yellow text detailing the event.

Friday, December 16

7pm

The Playhouse

Runtime

3 Hours

Age Recommendation

All ages

The Songs for Hope 10th Annual Holiday Music Spectacular returns to the Overture Center in Madison Wisconsin on Friday, December 16th at 7pm. This year marks the 10th year for the Songs for Hope Annual Holiday Spectacular. In honor of the tenth year, this concert will feature a special excerpt performance of the Adrian Dunn Singers’ Black Messiah.

This years concert will also feature a Black Holiday Mart before and after the show and during intermission. This holiday mart will feature Black vendors from around the state of Wisconsin. We are honored to support Black businesses during our 10-year celebration. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please email Seein' is Believin'.

Meet the Artists

A headshot of an African American man in a silver and black suit with black glasses and a beard

Adrian Dunn

The Adrian Dunn Singers is a group of 12 professional singers of diverse musical backgrounds based in Chicago. Members of group have trained at some of the top conservatories & Universities in America. They recently performed at the Thomas Dorsey National Convention of Gospel Choirs & Choruses in Dallas & were recently included in the Art Institute of Chicago’s “Prayer” exhibit. In addition to recording the Revelations Album, they have performed for the Payne Theological Seminary presidential inauguration in 2017 & provided music for the 2018 commencement exercises. The group recently made their National Cathedral Debut and have toured to Orlando, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Indianapolis. The Adrian Dunn Singers were most recently featured in the film “Honk for Jesus and Save Your Soul” on the Peacock Network.

A headshot of a Black woman with brown eyes and blonde hair in a red, sequined top. She has on bright, red lipstick.

Prenicia Clifton

Prenicia started this concert series in 2012 in honor of her dad, a dedicated teacher and fierce advocate for youth. Each year the concert is dedicated to supporting youth enrichment initiatives from backpacks and coats for low-income children to holiday gifts and after-school programs, Prenicia is honored to dedicate this year’s performance to supporting Seein’ is Believin Life Readiness Programming for young adults in Dane County.

The Black Messiah Preview

The Adrian Dunn Singers

Upcoming Music Events at Overture

  • October 16

    Thursday

    2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents Matthew Morrison: Rhythms & Revelations

    Capitol Theater

    Step into a powerful fusion of music and movement that goes beyond entertainment. In this deeply personal performance, Matthew Morrison—known for his standout role as Will Schuester on “Glee”—takes audiences on a musical journey into the heart of what makes us human.

    7:30 PM
  • October 17 - October 19

    Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Primal Light

    Overture Hall

    This concert opens with a fresh take on the story of resurrection with lush layers of colorful sound evoking a cinematic feel. “Resurrexit” by Mason Bates will take you on a mystical pilgrimage with shimmering exotic tonalities that give way to contemplation and dramatic stirrings of rebirth.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • October 25

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music, Theater The Jerry Ensemble

    Rotunda Stage

    The Jerry Ensemble of Southern Wisconsin, a premier performance group representing the Jerry Awards, will perform Disney's "Finding Nemo KIDS!" Join us and witness the future stars of musical theater in action!

    Multiple Showtimes
  • October 30

    Thursday

    2025/26 Season, Folk Music, Music, Overture Presents Mariachi Rock Revolution

    Capitol Theater

    Get ready for a rock-fueled, Mariachi-infused spectacle of sight and sound celebrating the tradition of Mariachi. This high-energy show unites arena-rock fans, abuelas raised on Vicente Fernández—and everyone in between.

    7:00 PM
  • November 6

    Thursday

    2025/26 Season, Cabaret, Music, Overture Presents Claybourne Elder: If the Stars Were Mine

    Capitol Theater Stage

    Broadway’s hunky gay ex-Mormon dad Claybourne Elder, star of “Company,” “Sunday in the Park…” and HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” presents a hilarious and heartfelt evening that’s part cabaret and part stand-up.

    6:30 PM
  • November 7 - November 9

    Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater La Bohème

    Overture Hall

    The greatest love story in opera, “La Bohème” remains eternally young. Set to a ravishing score, Puccini’s classic opera tells of the lives, loves and losses of a group of young artists in a Bohemian quarter of Paris. 

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 8

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Birds of a Feather

    Rotunda Stage

    Birds of a Feather (Little Miss Ann + Suzi Shelton) will perform classic favorites and new songs from their debut album "Rock Together," featuring themes of friendship, adventure and community.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 14

    Friday

    Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks I - Eroica

    Capitol Theater

    “Eroica” kicks off the 2025/26 Masterworks Season in Capitol Theater, encapsulating the timeless beauty of classical music.

    7:30 PM
  • November 15

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Beni Daiko

    Rotunda Stage

    Beni Daiko will introduce Japanese culture through powerful Taiko drumming, traditional lion dance and modern interpretations. Get ready for an interactive experience with audience participation!

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 15

    Saturday

    Music The MadHatters A Cappella Fall Show

    Capitol Theater

    With their unmistakable attire in their Wisconsin red jackets, the MadHatters A Capella Fall Shows brings everyone together to clap their hands and stomp to the beat.

    7:00 PM
  • November 18

    Tuesday

    Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Greg Zelek with Caleb Hudson, Trumpet

    Overture Hall

    Trumpeter Caleb Hudson has made a name for himself as one of the most virtuosic trumpet soloists as well as a respected pedagogue. Experience his incredible talent in a program featuring many arrangements for organ and trumpet.

    7:30 PM
  • November 21 - November 22

    Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Handel's Messiah

    Bethel Lutheran Church

    Kicking off the holiday season early, join the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Festival Choir of Madison for a favorite holiday tradition.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 21 - November 23

    Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Radiance

    Overture Hall

    “Rainbow Body,” a luminous work by American composer Christopher Theofanidis, weaves ancient and modern worlds together to take us on a spellbinding journey. Inspired by the chant “Ave Maria” by medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen, the piece reimagines her melodies in lush, cinematic orchestration.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 22

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Ken Lonnquist

    Rotunda Stage

    Enjoy a delightful performance by Ken Lonnquist, who writes and sings humorous, literate and thoughtful songs about nature, the environment and current issues.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 28

    Friday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Cash Box Kings

    Rotunda Stage

    The Cash Box Kings bring the classic Chicago blues era to life, tailored to teach children about this timeless genre. This be-bopping blues party promises to get everyone on their feet and grooving!

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 29

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Yid Vicious

    Rotunda Stage

    Yid Vicious brings klezmer for all ages to the Rotunda Stage. Get ready to dance as we celebrate the wonders of the season with Yiddish dance beats, special guests and shenanigans galore.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • December 5

    Friday

    Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music A Madison Symphony Christmas

    Overture Hall

    This spectacular annual celebration has become a joyful way to begin the holiday season in our community for concertgoers of all ages. The Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs and the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir join us to bring this special concert to life.

    7:30 PM