Photos by Andy Argyrakis

When Jennifer Knapp burst onto the singer/songwriter scene in the late 1990s, Margaret Becker was an established contemporary Christian pop pro who took the budding artist under her wing. Though both have flown a lot more under the radar nowadays, their friendship and collaborative chemistry was as visible as ever when the City Winery staged a tasty brunch centered around the pair’s “Hymns Of Christmas” collection.

The intimate performance also left lots of room for silly fun, most notably the newbies “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” (with Jennifer Knapp trading her guitar for trombone), “C’mon Amazon” and “The Family Christmas Survival Guide.”

Knapp & Becker stuck primarily to that format throughout the afternoon, taking turns on leads and harmonies while putting their creative stamps on several classic carols and a handful of comedic originals. Forsaking the pop-glossed production of their earlier years, the duo embraced organic flavors over an unplugged format that was filled with spontaneous storytelling and holiday memories.

No matter if they were chatting or turning in tunes such as “What Child Is This?,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, “O Holy Night,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “The First Noel,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Silent Night,” Knapp & Becker were personable and completely let their hair down, creating a casual concert experience for the moderate but dedicated audience. The intimate performance also left lots of room for silly fun, most notably the newbies “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” (with Knapp trading her guitar for trombone), “C’mon Amazon” and “The Family Christmas Survival Guide.”

Given each artist’s infrequency of appearing in the area, it would’ve been nice if each explored their individual catalogues beyond strictly the holidays, but that omission merely begs for a return visit sooner than later. In the meantime, Knapp & Becker got December going by exploring a range of Christmas’ many sentiments, ultimately pointing to the peace and positivity that can only come from the most wonderful time of the year.

For additional information on Jennifer Knapp & Margaret Becker, visit JenniferKnapp.com and MargaretBecker.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Suzy Bogguss (Dec. 2); Dave Hollister (Dec. 3); Kris Allen with Sawyer (Dec. 4); Joe Pug with Carson McHone (Dec. 5); The Empty Pockets (Dec. 6); Syleena Johnson (Dec. 7); Chicago Philharmonic Chamber Players present: “A Christmas Carol” (Dec. ); Los Lobos (Dec. 9-12);  Art Garfunkel (Dec. 14-15); Vienna Teng with Katie Rose (Dec. 16); Tab Benoit (Dec. 17-18); Kurt Elling (Dec. 19-20); Michael McDermott (Dec 21-23); Christmas For The Jews (Dec. 25); Shemekia Copeland (Dec. 26-27); Macy Gray (Dec. 28-29) and Avery*Sunshine (Dec. 30-Jan. 1). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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