Forty years ago, in 1985, composer, Ann Phillips, created Bending Toward the Light, a Jazz Nativity, in New York City, where it’s been performed each year since. 30 years ago, Beth Ann Kennedy began directing that New York production of Bending Toward the Light, and has been doing it every year since. Two years ago she directed and produced and Ann Phillips conducted the Montana premiere here in Bozeman to wild appreciation. This December 4th, 7th and 11th, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church, Beth Ann Kennedy produces and directs it again, each performance highlighting different community organizations, as you’ll hear in this interview with Beth Ann Kennedy, recorded via Zoom on November 24, 2025.

There will be three performances at Hope Lutheran Church on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 4th at 7; 4pm on Sunday, December 7; and 7pm on Thursday December 11th.

You can find out more or get tickets at https://www.jazznativity.org/bozeman