Jim Brickman Brings Virtual Comfort & Joy to Cedar Rapids

When I saw a concert date earlier this year for Jim Brickman, December 11 at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, I was hopeful but confused. It's been about five years since he was here, and with all that's happened in 2020, was a live concert really going to happen that soon? I thought, at the very least, socially distanced seating would be possible.

Alas, he will not be here in person, but the piano man will be hosting a "virtual concert", one of many between now and Christmas, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Paramount Theatre (and venues in the other towns the show will play in).

There are three different "packages" you can choose from:

• Silver (a simple "ticket" to the virtual concert)
• Gold (the one I got. A ticket, interaction with Jim in the "Zoom Room" and a stocking full of goodies you can see in the photo above--a glossy photo of Jim and show program with colorable Santa not pictured)
• Diamond (a ticket, a virtual Meet & Greet with Jim, the same stocking full of goodies plus a few extras, and access to a virtual "after-party")

Once you've ordered, they'll e-mail you instructions with code words and exclusive login information to watch the show and enter the "Zoom Room" to interact with Jim if you purchased that option. A virtual concert may not sound too memorable at first, but only people who purchased access to a show at any scheduled time can participate, making it a very exclusive event each time, which in our case is 7 p.m. this Friday, December 11.

With venues losing money due to shutdowns and restrictions from the pandemic, some need our help if they hope to welcome us back for the real thing anytime soon. Best of all you can enjoy a concert from the comfort of your home in your pajamas!

So if you're interested in supporting one of our best and most historic venues, watching one of music's finest performers, or are looking for a unique gift idea, get more information here.