There’s no soundtrack more irresistible than Motown—especially at Christmastime. This December, powerhouse vocalist and performer Krystle Dos Santos returns to the Firehall Arts Centre with A Very Merry Motown (December 17–28), a show packed with nostalgia, style, and the smooth, joyful sound that defined a generation. From festive classics to soulful grooves, Krystle brings the warmth, charm, and unmistakable sparkle of Motown to the Vancouver stage. We caught up with her to chat about the inspiration behind the show, her favourite holiday traditions, and why Motown still feels like magic. —Noa Nichol
A Very Merry Motown blends classic holiday cheer with that irresistible Motown soul. What inspired you to reimagine ’Twas the Night Before Christmas – Motown Style?
I thought reimagining ‘‘twas the night before Christmas” would be a familiar, traditional way of enjoying this beloved music! And kids will likely even know those rhymes! The holidays to me are all about revisiting those cozy warm familiar moments.
Motown music is rooted in joy, unity, and feel-good groove—perfect for the holidays. Which Motown artists or songs influenced the vibe of this show most?
Yes, Motown is so full of joy! As always for me, Stevie Wonder was a huge inspiration for this show, he has some of my favourite Christmas songs, like “Someday at Christmas” and “What Christmas Means to me” and also the Jackson 5 have some amazing, iconic versions and arrangements of Christmas songs like “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”. I’ve also incorporated some gospel, soul and jazz-inspired songs to really round out the night.
The show invites audiences of all ages to sing, sway, and celebrate. What do you hope families walk away feeling after a night at A Very Merry Motown?
I hope families walk away feeling togetherness and joy – not only from the show itself, but from just simply being together and taking the time to come out to a live music show during the busy holiday season. I think creative spaces offer opportunities for hope, love and community to flourish.
You’re joined by an incredible lineup of musicians and vocalists. Can you share a behind-the-scenes story about creating that onstage chemistry?
I have been playing with so many of my band members for years and years! They’re like family to me! I love to stock our dressing room with treats, drinks, thank you cards etc, so they always know how much I care and appreciate them! There’s so many other places they could be, so I think celebrating my team whenever I can is so important to me!
Motown is known for its storytelling as much as its sound. What stories from your own life or heritage found their way into this holiday production?
Spoiler alert: I’ll be going around at one point in the show and asking what the band’s favourite things are about the Holidays – and mine is the FOOD! Food just has an incredible way of connecting smells and memories together! I’ll be talking about my favourite Christmas dish, Pepperpot – a Guyanese Beef Stew that we eat for breakfast with homemade bread. I even have some of its special ingredient (a sauce called cassareep) for sale at the lobby bar if people want to take it home and try making it themselves!
From velvety vocals to high-energy arrangements, this show spans a lot of musical moods. What’s your favourite moment to perform—and why?
Well, this is a brand new show, so I haven’t found my favourite moment yet, lol! But I have a feeling it will be one of the many duets I have planned with my co-host Stephen Scaccia! Duets are the best!!
The Firehall Arts Centre has such a rich cultural history. How does performing this show in that space enhance the energy of the experience?
Performing at the Firehall is an amazing experience! Not only is it just a wonderful space with a wonderful staff and community, it’s amazing to think about its nearly 120 years history in Vancouver and the actual architecture and proximity to Vancouver’s Historically Black neighborhood is so special! It’s such an honour to be doing this show there.
Motown and Christmas both thrive on nostalgia. How do you balance classic nostalgia with a fresh, contemporary twist?
Well, I think the balance comes from arrangements, sharing old memories with new friends, and simply carrying these beloved classic songs into a new space and time keep it fresh! We are also doing a very “modern” version of Baby It’s Cold Outside where John Legend and Kelly Clarkson really brought it into more thoughtful times.
Your voice has deep roots in soul, jazz, R&B and beyond. How did you approach shaping the soundscape to honour Motown while keeping your signature style?
I think I’ve tried to balance the Motown style with my own unique approach to these songs. Try as I might, anything I sing or do will always have “me” deeply woven into it, so making it “my own” will happen quite naturally!
If you could gift the world one Motown message this holiday season—hope, joy, resilience, community—what would it be?
Be kind to one another! Have empathy, understanding and compassion for your fellow neighbour and give where and however you can! We all need a bit more of the power of kindness in the world!
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