Holiday Detroit 2026 is bringing Motown magic, Broadway-style entertainment and gospel music to Detroit’s Music Hall on December 12. The annual production will feature more than 100 performers, including GRAMMY-nominated gospel artist Melvin Crispell III, The Voice alum BETH and Beyoncé collaborator Anthony Burrell.
Produced and directed by Lisa McCall, the one-night performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2026. The production will celebrate Detroit’s musical heritage through live music, dance, theatrical performances and cultural traditions.
This year’s show will also feature Broadway veteran Jason Bernard and emerging performers from Voyageur College Prep’s Performing Arts Department.
Holiday Detroit 2026 celebrates Motown and Broadway
The production will take audiences through several musical genres, including Motown classics, jazz, blues, gospel, Broadway favorites and traditional West African music.
Additionally, the show will include special tributes to legendary performers Freddie Jackson, Peabo Bryson and Aretha Franklin. Musical director Will Daniels will lead the soundtrack, while veteran Detroit entertainment journalist Greg Dunmore returns as the show’s host.
With more than 100 performers, Holiday Detroit will bring established entertainers and emerging talent together on one stage. Students from Voyageur College Prep’s Performing Arts Department will also participate, creating opportunities for young performers to share the spotlight with experienced professionals.
Melvin Crispell III and BETH lead the featured performers
GRAMMY-nominated gospel artist Melvin Crispell III joins this year’s production as one of its featured performers. He won BET’s Sunday Best in 2019 and has received GRAMMY, Dove and Stellar Award nominations.
Crispell continues the musical legacy of his parents, musician and composer Melvin Crispell Jr. and gospel vocalist Tunesha Crispell. His addition brings a strong gospel presence to this year’s holiday celebration.
Meanwhile, Detroit singer-songwriter BETH will bring her Motown roots and vocal experience to the stage. She competed in Season 16 of NBC’s The Voice and has performed and toured with Anita Baker and KEM.
BETH is also the daughter of Johnny Griffith, a keyboardist with the legendary Funk Brothers. Her family connection to Motown adds another dimension to the production’s celebration of Detroit music.
Anthony Burrell and Jason Bernard bring Broadway experience
The production also features accomplished dancer, choreographer and creative director Anthony Burrell. He previously served as a principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
His career includes collaborations with Beyoncé and Mariah Carey. His credits also include Beyoncé’s Super Bowl 50 halftime performance and the visual album Lemonade.
Broadway veteran Jason Bernard will bring additional theatrical experience to the production. Bernard made his Broadway debut at age 17 in the Tony Award-winning musical Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk.
His other credits include Riverdance and Spike Lee’s film Bamboozled. Gospel vocalist Lena Starks will also make her Holiday Detroit debut.
Returning performers include Kevin Stewart Jr., Alise King, Jynn Cole, Kiko and Eric Brown. Their participation continues the production’s tradition of bringing familiar performers and new talent together.
Lisa McCall continues Detroit’s musical legacy
Holiday Detroit reflects McCall’s commitment to performing arts, mentorship and cultural preservation. The internationally recognized choreographer, producer and director has worked with entertainment icons including Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, Patti LaBelle and The Temptations.
Her career also includes a longstanding professional relationship with Aretha Franklin. McCall began working with the Queen of Soul as a dancer before becoming her choreographer and later serving as her dance road manager and creative director.
Beyond her entertainment career, McCall leads the Performing Arts Department at Voyageur College Prep, a K–12 school. Through the annual production, she continues to create opportunities for young performers to develop their talents alongside established artists.
Originally launched in 2004 as Celebration of Detroit, Holiday Detroit has grown into an annual musical production celebrating the city’s artistic identity across generations and genres.
How to get Holiday Detroit 2026 tickets
Holiday Detroit takes place Saturday, December 12, 2026, at Music Hall in Detroit. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets and special group rates are available through the production’s official website at HolidayDetroit.com.
Lisa McCall and featured performers are also available for media interviews. Audiences can follow Holiday Detroit on social media for production updates and behind-the-scenes previews.
With its combination of Motown classics, gospel performances, Broadway talent and emerging Detroit artists, Holiday Detroit 2026 will bring generations of performers together for an evening celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage.
Source: Holiday Detroit / Lisa McCall press release, November 2026.
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