Russell Joel Brown is producing his most spectacular concert yet, and audiences have two chances to see it Dec. 5-6.
“I am so excited about this show. It’s hands-down the biggest show I’ve ever done,” he said. “There are almost 100 people involved
Russell Joel Brown – Home for the Holidays at Paine College will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel.
Brown has produced numerous fundraising concerts over the years, but it’s been more than 20 years since he’s presented a holiday concert.
A four-foot high stage has been constructed over the chapel’s altar to give every patron a clear view.
During an original song called “Precious Boy,” written by one of Brown’s cast mates from the tour of Disney’s “The Lion King,” angels will hover above Mary and Joseph. The song casts Jesus’s future but holds every parent’s longing that the child stay a child for just a little longer.
Instead of the three wise men, six representatives from different cultural groups will enter the space heralded by sentries with 9-foot-tall banners. Greece will be the first culture to enter. By the end of the song, 12 panels of fabric will create a beautiful tableau honoring the varied cultures.
Another nod to Brown’s time touring with “The Lion King” musical will be an 11-foot tall Bunraku puppet dressed as the Grinch, which Brown will operate while a team of 10 hip hop dancers join in the number.
A mass choir and 9-piece band will also be part of the show which celebrates multiple genres of music including hip hop, classical, R&B, country and pop.
Paine College is the latest recipient of Brown’s fundraising efforts. Previous beneficiaries include the Jessye Norman School of the Arts, Colton Ballet Company and Augusta Jewish Museum.
Brown attended Morehouse College when Lester McCorn, Paine College president, was also a student there. While they were acquainted in college, they didn’t get to know one another until McCorn took the Paine College post.
“He’s the right man in the right job at the right time,” he said.
Tickets are $35, $50, $75 or $100 VIP. Go to Brown’s website here to purchase tickets.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named Augusta Magazine’s best local writer in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
