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

  • February 13 - February 15

    Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater Everlasting Faint

    Capitol Theater

    Based on the true story of the 1897 “Greenbrier Ghost,” “Everlasting Faint” is a ghost story, a maternal love story, a true crime drama and an all-American opera. Don’t miss this world premiere by Madison composer Scott Gendel and librettist Sandra Flores-Strand.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 14

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Jazz, Kids in the Rotunda, Music NOLA Tribute

    Rotunda Stage

    Get ready for a musical journey with the New Orleans Tribute! This talented group, featuring members from Mama Digdown's Brass Band and Madison's top jazz musicians, brings the vibrant sounds of New Orleans Jazz and Secondline music to you—no plane ticket needed.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 20 - February 22

    Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Rachel Barton Pine Returns!

    Overture Hall

    “Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a decidedly playful overture by a very youthful Felix Mendelssohn. This sparkling work captures the magic of the fairy kingdom, the humor of the lovers’ entanglements and the grandeur of Theseus’ court.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 21

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music L.E.X

    Rotunda Stage

    L.E.X delivers original kid-friendly hip-hop music with positive themes like regulating emotions, being kind, chasing dreams and navigating childhood experiences.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 24

    Tuesday

    Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Felix Hell, Organist

    Overture Hall

    Organist Felix Hell, who first performed in Madison in 2012, returns with a brilliant and unique program that he calls “Cathedral of Sound: The Organ as Orchestra.”

    7:30 PM
  • February 25

    Wednesday

    Classic Rock, Music Joe Bonamassa

    Overture Hall

    Hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and cited by Guitar World Magazine as “the world's biggest blues guitarist,” Joe Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream.

    8:00 PM
  • February 27

    Friday

    Classical Music, Kanopy Dance, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks III - Regeneration with Kanopy Dance Company

    Capitol Theater

    Universal rhythms explored through music and movement—weaving together themes of transformation and the endless cycle of renewal.

    7:30 PM
  • March 5

    Thursday

    2025/26 Season, Cabaret, Music, Overture Presents Canceled - Kyle Taylor Parker: Juke Joint Jubilee

    Capitol Theater Stage

    Kyle Taylor Parker: Juke Joint Jubilee has been canceled. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and will follow up with all ticket holders to provide next steps.

    6:30 PM
  • March 7

    Saturday

    Dance, Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Folk Music, Free Events, Music, Theater, Variety, Visual Arts International Festival

    Multiple Venues

    Celebrate the rich cultural heritage within our community and enjoy nearly 30 FREE performances throughout Overture by artists who call Dane County home. Indulge in cuisines from around the world, browse stunning arts and crafts available for purchase and learn about the many local businesses with global connections.

    10:00 AM
  • March 10

    Tuesday

    2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents DRUM TAO: The Best

    Capitol Theater

    Experience the pulse-pounding power of Drum TAO, where traditional Japanese Wadaiko drums meet breathtaking performance and modern spectacle. Renowned for their dynamic choreography, striking visuals and thunderous rhythms, “Drum TAO” delivers a performance that is more than just a concert—it’s a full-body experience.

    7:00 PM
  • March 20 - March 22

    Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Ax Plays Mozart

    Overture Hall

    Strauss’ “Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks” is a mischievous tone poem that follows the antics of a legendary trickster. From daring escapades to clever pranks, the music captures Till’s irreverent spirit with virtuosic orchestral writing and humor.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 21

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Tom Pease

    Rotunda Stage

    One of the series’ most popular performers, Tom Pease engages children with imaginative songs, humor and full audience participation. Pease’s show leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for their own sense of place and community.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 21

    Saturday

    2025/26 Season, Classical Music, Cover Bands, Music, Overture Presents One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen and The Works

    Capitol Theater

    Get ready to rock! This high-energy, two-hour stage show brings the legendary music and iconic theatrics of Queen to life, featuring the incredible Gary Mullen & The Works.

    7:30 PM
  • March 27

    Friday

    Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks IV - Dueling Violins

    Capitol Theater

    Prepare to be mesmerized as two extraordinary violin masters, Gilles Apap and Eric Silberger, return to the stage for “Dueling Violins”—not as rivals, but as creative counterparts.

    7:30 PM
  • March 28 - March 29

    Classical Music, Film, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert

    Overture Hall

    Madison Symphony Orchestra’s MSO at the Movies presents “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert,” featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY® Award-winning score performed live to the film led by conductor Kyle Knox at Overture Hall.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 31

    Tuesday

    Classical Music, Cyber Weekend, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music An Evening of Chamber Music and Organ

    Overture Hall

    As the Madison Symphony Orchestra celebrates 100 years this season, it seemed only fitting to bring fellow colleagues on stage with MSO Principal Organist Greg Zelek to showcase their talent and unique pairing. Get a chance to hear many of the orchestra musicians perform works as soloists with the organ.

    7:30 PM