December Performance Brings Holiday Magic, Jazz History, and String-Band Innovation to Colorado Springs 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 19, 2025) — The Artist Series at the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS proudly presents Mr. Sun Plays Ellington’s Nutcracker, a dazzling reinterpretation of one of the most iconic works in classical and jazz history. Touring nationally with their acclaimed new recording, Mr. Sun brings their genre-bending brilliance to the Ent Center on December 17, 2025. 

Mr. Sun—the acoustic music supergroup featuring renowned fiddler Darol Anger, guitarist Grant Gordy, Scottish bassist Aidan O’Donnell, and mandolinist Joe Walsh—has long been celebrated for pushing the boundaries of American string-band traditions. Their new recording seizes upon the inspiration of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s legendary jazz adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, offering audiences a vibrant, witty, and fresh reimagining of the beloved work. 

Their interpretations range from faithful tributes to electrifying departures. Bowed strings preserve Strayhorn’s surprising horn voicings; multi-mandolin passages inject new rhythmic fire; and improvised solos honor the phrasing of giants like Johnny Hodges and Paul Gonsalves, sometimes even quoting them directly. 

“The Artist Series brings the most talented, engaging artists from around the world to perform in our community,” said David Siegel, Executive Director of the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS. “Mr. Sun embodies that spirit. The first time I heard Mr. Sun’s bluegrass Nutcracker I was blown away. The Nutcracker has stood the test of time for a reason and Tchaikovsky’s glorious melodies are all still there, but the band has instilled that quintessential bluegrass joy, and the energy that comes from improvised live solos into this groundbreaking adaptation. This is the kind of adventurous, exceptional work audiences can continue to look forward to with The Artist Series.” 

Behind-the-scenes footage of the project is available here: https://vimeo.com/810278547/21b15c71d8 

Tickets and event information: tickets.entcenterforthearts.org/5844/5845

Media Contact:

Elyce Gronseth
Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS
egronset@uccs.edu

About Mr. Sun 
Mr. Sun is a powerhouse quartet pushing the boundaries of the American string-band tradition. Its members are renowned fiddler Darol Anger, guitarist Grant Gordy, Scottish bassist Aidan O’Donnell, and mandolinist Joe Walsh. Melding jazz, bluegrass, and improvisation with fearless creativity, the ensemble is known for inventive arrangements, virtuosic performances, and a genre-defying spirit. 

About The Artist Series 
The Artist Series brings world-renowned performers, innovators, and touring productions to Colorado Springs, offering audiences unforgettable experiences across music, theatre, dance, and more. Curated to showcase the most exciting voices across artistic disciplines, the series reflects the Ent Center’s ongoing commitment to extraordinary artistry and cultural enrichment. 

About the Ent Center for the Arts 
The Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS is a multi-venue arts complex that serves as a cultural hub for Colorado Springs. Home to Theatreworks, the Galleries of Contemporary Art (GOCA), and other artistic programs, the Ent Center fosters creativity and collaboration across disciplines, providing a space for artists and audiences to connect in meaningful ways. 

Visit entarts.org