Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Yuletide season is in full swing at the festively decorated Genesee Theatre and the “Home For The Holidays” Tour was certainly a standout in the starting stretch, thanks to the all-star line-up of Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, Ruben Studdard and Ilya Serov.

For two hours, the four artists appeared together and separately, not only bringing magical sounds of Christmas past and present, but a generous portion of non-holiday hits, each backed by a six-piece band and two background singers.

Bryson began the classy show from the wings and belted out “Silent Night,” which certainly had no trouble getting concertgoers in the celebratory, spiritual and snowy moods.

Up next, trumpeter/guitarist/vocalist Serov bore several jazzy, bossa nova-flavored gifts off his new album, “Christmas With Friends,” plus Studdard soulfully did the same via “My Favorite Holiday,” in addition to Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much” Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On/Mercy Mercy Me” alongside Bryson.

The latter returned after intermission and introduced Easton for a lovely duet of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” then passed the Scottish superstar the mic for some solos and sentimental storytelling.

The two-time Grammy Award-winner always lived up to her legend, flawlessly delivering the chart-topping “Morning Train (Nine To Five),” “We’ve Got Tonight” with Studdard,” “Winter Wonderland” and the James Bond ballad “For Your Eyes Only.”

The same could be said about Bryson, a double Oscar and Grammy-winner, who was smooth and confident throughout such classics as “Can You Stop The Rain,” “Beauty And The Beast” featuring Easton and “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again.”

However, a finale of Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” was truly a family affair, finding the leading foursome swapping leads and their fans assisting as a backing choir, guaranteeing the Genesee did indeed feel right at “Home For The Holidays.”

For additional information on Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, Ruben Studdard and Ilya Serov, visit PeaboBryson2.com, SheenaEaston.com, RubenStuddard.com and IlyaSerov.com.

Upcoming shows at the Genesee Theatre include David Foster & Katharine McPhee (Dec. 6); Rain: A Beatles Christmas Tribute (Dec. 7); Dave Koz & Friends (Dec. 10); Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (Dec. 11); Matteo Bocelli (Dec. 12); Lady A (Dec. 13); Dancecenter North: “The Magic Of The Nutcracker” (Dec. 18-19); Lindsey Stirling (Dec. 20); BoDeans (Dec. 26); Michael Carbonaro (Dec. 27); Marshall Charloff & The Purple  Xperience and David Brighton’s Space Oddity (Jan. 9); Puddle Of Mudd (Jan. 16); Stone Temple Pilots (Jan. 17); Anthony Rodia (Jan. 22); Revisiting Creedence (Jan. 23); Aziz Ansari (Jan. 24); Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood (Jan. 30); “#IMOMSOHARD” (Jan. 31); Theresa Caputo (Feb. 4); Jay Leno (Feb. 6);  JJ Grey & Mofro (Feb. 7); George Lopez (Feb. 14); The Peking Acrobats (Feb. 21); The Ultimate Doors (Feb. 22); Neil Forever (Feb. 27); John Oates & The Good Road Band (Mar. 7); The Phil Collins Story (Mar. 8); Three Dog Night (Mar. 13); Glenn Miller Orchestra (Apr. 9); World Ballet Company: “Cinderella” (Apr. 19) and Los Lonely Boys (Apr. 23). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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