He is the artist credited with putting Latin pop on the holiday music map over 50 years ago, and he’s about to take the stage in Folsom to wish you a “Merry Christmas” – a greeting that sounds even better with his signature Latin twist. It’s none other than the legendary José Feliciano, performing at the Harris Center for the Arts this Friday night. A limited number of tickets are still available.
In 1970, Feliciano released “Feliz Navidad,” which became the top bilingual holiday song worldwide and remains one of the best-selling holiday tunes of all time. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2019, Forbesmagazine called “Feliz Navidad” “the gift that keeps on giving,” a statement reinforced when the song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2020.
Feliciano has also been acclaimed as “the greatest living guitarist.” Often referred to as “The Picasso of his Realm,” Feliciano’s accomplishments are vast. He has received over 45 Gold and Platinum records, 19 Grammy nominations, and nine Grammy Awards, including the Latin Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
His extraordinary career has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and New York City honored him by renaming Public School 155 in East Harlem the José Feliciano Performing Arts School. Additionally, he has been knighted by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut for his musical and humanitarian contributions.
Feliciano’s talent has been acknowledged by Guitar Player magazine, which named him “Best Pop Guitarist” and included him in its “Gallery of the Greats.” He was also voted “Best Jazz Guitarist” and “Best Rock Guitarist” in Playboymagazine’s readers’ poll. In 1996, Billboard magazine presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Born blind on Sept. 10, 1945, in Lares, Puerto Rico, Feliciano grew up in humble circumstances. One of 11 children, his passion for music began at age three when he accompanied his uncle on a tin cracker can. At age five, his family immigrated to New York City, where young Feliciano began teaching himself to play instruments, starting with the concertina at age six.
By age nine, Feliciano was performing at The Puerto Rican Theater in the Bronx, and soon after, he taught himself to play the guitar, practicing as many as 14 hours a day. Inspired by the rock ’n’ roll of the 1950s, he developed his vocal and instrumental style.
At 17, Feliciano left school to support his family, playing in coffeehouses in Greenwich Village, where his performances were compensated by “passing the hat.” His big break came when RCA Records executive Jack Sommer saw him perform and signed him to the label, launching a remarkable career.
Feliciano gained international fame in the Spanish market in 1966 with his reimagined boleros. His reinterpretation of classics like “Poquita Fe” and “Usted” catapulted him to stardom throughout Latin America. By 1968, his rendition of The Doors’ “Light My Fire” became a global sensation.
Three songs define Feliciano’s career: “Light My Fire” (1968), which became a standard worldwide; “Che Sará” (1971), a massive hit across Europe and Latin America; and “Feliz Navidad” (1970), which remains a cherished holiday anthem.
Feliciano has performed with top orchestras, including the London Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Vienna Symphony. He was also the first artist to stylize the National Anthem, a performance during the 1968 World Series that sparked both controversy and admiration.
This Friday, audiences can experience Feliciano’s artistry and heartfelt storytelling in an intimate setting. Tickets start at $59 and are available through the Harris Center Box Office, located at 10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and two hours before each performance. For tickets, call 916-608-6888 or visit www.harriscenter.net.
December is talent packed at Harris Center
As the month of December comes rushing in, Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom opens its doors to a busy monthfollowing Feliciano’s perfoamcne that opens the month Friday night. To help plan your holiday entertainment plans, Folsom Times has put together the following look at what’s coming when.
Folsom Lake Symphony’s “Holiday Cheer” – Saturday, Dec. 7 & Sunday, Dec. 8: For a classical holiday experience, the Folsom Lake Symphony presents “Holiday Cheer,” a festive concert filled with orchestral magic. Featuring soprano Natalie Cordone, bass-baritone Cedric Berry, and the Northern California Children’s Chorus, the evening will include cherished pieces from The Nutcracker, songs from Frozen, and John Williams’ iconic score from Home Alone. This event is perfect for families and classical music lovers alike.
El Dorado Musical Theatre’s “High Voltage – Holiday Celebration” – Monday, Dec. 9: Young talents from El Dorado Musical Theatre’s High Voltage troupe bring the joy of the season to life in their “Holiday Celebration.” This heartwarming production features a mix of classic carols and modern holiday hits, performed with high-energy choreography and youthful exuberance.
Broadway’s “Hadestown” – Thursday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 15: The Harris Center welcomes the critically acclaimed Broadway sensation Hadestown. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this mesmerizing production reimagines the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice alongside King Hades and Persephone. With its evocative score and poetic storytelling, Hadestown offers a powerful theatrical experience.
“Rocky Mountain High Experience®: A John Denver Christmas” – Saturday, Dec. 14 & Sunday, Dec. 15: Rick Schuler’s tribute to John Denver, “Rocky Mountain High Experience®,” celebrates the life and music of the legendary singer-songwriter. This heartwarming holiday show blends Denver’s greatest hits, including “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Annie’s Song,” with Christmas favorites for a nostalgic evening of music and memories.
Girl Named Tom: “The Joy of Christmas Tour” – Monday, Dec. 16: Winners of NBC’s The Voice, the sibling trio Girl Named Tom brings their rich harmonies and festive spirit to Folsom. Their “Joy of Christmas Tour” features a mix of original holiday songs, reimagined classics, and heartfelt family storytelling.
Nashville Songwriters Live – Tuesday, Dec. 17: Country music fans won’t want to miss “Nashville Songwriters Live,” a rare opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes tales of songwriting from some of Nashville’s finest talents. This intimate evening combines acoustic performances with the stories behind the songs that have defined the genre.
Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22: The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without The Nutcracker. Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet to life with stunning choreography, vibrant costumes, and the timeless tale of Clara’s magical journey. From the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets, this production captures the enchantment of the season.
RiverBells Sacramento’s “It’s the Time of Ringing” – Saturday, Dec. 21: Experience the melodic sounds of handbell music with RiverBells Sacramento’s “It’s the Time of Ringing.” This engaging performance features both seasonal and non-seasonal pieces, showcasing the unique artistry of handbell ringing.
The Sacramento Master Singers’ “A Master Singers Christmas” – Monday, Dec. 23: Join the Sacramento Master Singers for “A Master Singers Christmas,” a choral celebration of the holiday season. Known for their exquisite harmonies and diverse repertoire, the ensemble will present a program of traditional carols and contemporary holiday music.
Motown Mania! The Golden Hits of the Temptations & the Superstars of Motown – Saturday, Jan. 4: Ring in the new year with “Motown Mania!,” a tribute to the golden hits of The Temptations and other Motown legends. This energetic performance brings the classic Motown sound to life, featuring timeless songs that have shaped American music.
Plan Your Visit: Tickets for all performances are available through the Harris Center Box Office, located at 10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 PM to 5 PM and two hours before each performance. To secure your seats, call 916-608-6888 or visit www.harriscenter.net.
