PBS12 in Partnership with Indie 102.3, Bodies of Culture, and Kayla Marque Present A Soul Xmas
Denver, Colorado (December 21, 2021) – PBS12, Colorado Public Radio’s Indie 102.3, and Bodies of Culture along with musician extraordinaire Kayla Marque present A Soul Xmas premiering on Friday, December 24 at 7 p.m. and repeating on Christmas Day at noon on PBS12.1 with an audio presentation at 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 9 a.m. on Christmas Day on Indie 102.3. The program taping took place on December 5 at the Five Points Media Center in the PBS12 studios.
The special is a celebration of community and the Soul of Christmas. Kayla, who has long roots in Park Hill and Five Points and hails from a musical family – her uncle, Larry Dunn, performed with Earth, Wind, and Fire – returns with family and friends for a second annual holiday event.
“I’m delighted to bring my unique style of soul and holiday cheer to audiences in Colorado,” said Kayla. “I love how my music can transform into celebrations in viewer’s and listener’s living rooms.”
A Soul Xmas had specific goals in mind at its inception. First, the partnership wanted to create an accessible annual holiday experience in the Five Points community – a nod to her grandparents who partied at the Rossonian Hotel in the then-called “Harlem of the West” neighborhood.
Another priority was to showcase BIPOC artists from the community. In addition to Kayla on lead vocals, well-known local soloists, Carlitta Ann and Britney Jane also perform, along with Enmanuel Alexander on guitar, Tenia Nelson on keys, Keith “Keith on Bass” Askins on bass, and Tarell Martin on drums.
Finally, the idea to use music, dance, and art to bring joy and healing to the community was the seed that grew into A Soul Xmas, culminating in a lively, beautiful presentation. Dancers include Mahayla Rose, Angelia H, Lisa Li, Tyriq, Brandon “Boog” Harris, Yia “Boogaloo Yi” Vue, and Mykail Cooley.
“It is our core belief that music unifies and elevates people,” said Heather Dalton, Director of Production for PBS12. “We are grateful to work with the multi-talented artist Kayla Marque for a second year, bringing Colorado families together for the holidays.”
“Indie 102.3 is very proud to bring to our listeners this unique program feature in collaboration with PBS12 and Kayla Marque, which is becoming a tradition in Colorado,” said Will “Willobee” Carlan of Indie 102.3. “This program captures the essence of music, friendship and spirit. Move over Michael Bublé, this is the holiday special to enjoy with your family!”
Kayla Marque added, “I’m proud to be a founding board member of Bodies of Culture, a Denver-based organization committed to evolving our local music ecosystem and establishing a culture that creates solidarity and working together for a more equitable future for young artists. It is an organization that celebrates cultural identity and self-expression. We encourage and understand the healing power of music and empowered musical self-discovery.”
Channel details, descriptions, airdates, and times are available at PBS12.org.