Red Moon Road Spreads Holiday Cheer at the Manitou Opera House

Manitou, MB — On December 14th, 2024, the Manitou Opera House came alive with the magic of the season as Red Moon Road delivered a truly unforgettable performance for a packed house. The beloved folk trio, joined by some talented friends, enchanted the audience with a concert aptly named A Simple Kind of Christmas, which was anything but simple. It offered a rich, vibrant celebration of the season, filled with musical surprises, comedy, and festive fun.

The band brought the stage to life with over 20 instruments, creating the sound of a full, dynamic ensemble. From timeless holiday classics like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Baby It’s Cold Outside to heartfelt originals, the night’s setlist had something for everyone. Songs like the concert’s namesake, A Simple Kind of Christmas, and The Grinch’s Lament showcased the band’s creativity and flair for storytelling. And how could we forget the crowd-favorite Sprinkles the Elf? Her comical strike against Santa to earn “Elf Respect” had the audience roaring with laughter and cheering for her triumph.

The night was filled with moments that captured the magic of the holidays, as each band member shone brightly, sharing their unique talents and creating an atmosphere that felt like a gathering of old friends. Laughter and applause echoed through the Opera House, as stories and songs wove together a tapestry of holiday spirit. The evening was packed with memorable highlights, including bursts of comedy, a Christmas skit featuring an uproarious “Battle of the Banjo and Bass,” and a funky, toe-tapping rendition of The Little Drummer Boy. Each performance showcased the group’s remarkable versatility, connecting deeply with the audience and filling the space with pure holiday joy.

For the encore, Red Moon Road stripped it all back, captivating the audience with a raw and intimate performance. Their acoustic rendition, capped off with a stunning six-part a cappella version of Carol of the Bells, brought the evening to an emotional close and earned a well-deserved standing ovation. It was a breathtaking finale to a night filled with holiday magic.

As the final notes faded, the audience departed with smiles on their faces and hearts full of Christmas cheer. The event was a resounding success, reminding everyone in attendance of the power of music to bring people together and celebrate the joy of the season.

The Manitou Opera House Foundation is grateful to Red Moon Road for their outstanding performance and to the community for their incredible support. The Manitou Opera House Foundation would like to thank the concert sponsors: Sam’s Foods, IG Wealth - Thor Thorleifson, Boundary Trail Railway Company, Ellis Pharmacy, and Manitou Auto Body. This festive evening will surely be remembered as one of the highlights of the holiday season in Manitou.

For more information on upcoming events at the Manitou Opera House, visit manitouoperahouse.com or follow us on social media.

Written By: Cassandra Serle (Manitou Opera House Foundation Board)