Leslie Odom Jr. at MGM National Harbor

Written by: Caden Forrester

Photography by Andrew Arthur

Leslie Odom Jr. seamlessly blended timeless Christmas classics with personal storytelling and dynamic musical arrangements. From the opening moments, he set a relaxed yet festive tone, greeting the Maryland audience with a good-natured tease: “Maryland, we heard you guys might be in the mood for some Christmas music.” This direct invitation immediately created a sense of connection, suggesting that what lay ahead was not just a concert, but a shared seasonal celebration. 

The evening’s set list was thoughtfully curated and performed in a manner that felt both polished and personal. Leslie began with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” leading smoothly into “My Favorite Things” and “Christmas Waltz.” After this warm-up, he briefly stepped back to let the cello shine, illuminating the instrumental depth that would characterize much of the performance. As the show progressed, he introduced his band—known with a smile as “The Galaxy Defenders”—layering in the personalities behind the music. Each musician received their moment in the spotlight, from a fluid cello solo following the first carol to a nimble keyboard feature and an electric guitar showcase that punctuated the fourth song.

Throughout the first half, Odom Jr. balanced reverence for holiday standards with inventive interpretations. “The Christmas Song” featured a spirited drum solo, while an acoustic interlude following “Merry Christmas” bathed the stage in warm, gentle lighting, as if transporting the audience to a cozy, candlelit living room. By the time “The First Noel” and “Winter Song” arrived, the atmosphere felt palpably intimate. Odom’s voice, moving easily between tender croon and soulful bellow, handled dynamic shifts—heavy beats, delicate guitar moments—with equal skill. An especially poignant turn came after performing “Cold,” when he shifted to a quieter, piano-driven piece, allowing space for reflection and emphasizing his capacity for emotional depth.

A highlight of the night was the incorporation of gospel and choral elements, most notably when the band stepped forward as a choir on “Jesus Gave Me Water.” This ensemble moment exuded warmth and camaraderie, extending the holiday spirit beyond the footlights. There were playful details, too: the audience chuckled and joined in as Odom Jr. playfully sang “falalalala” during a lively “Let It Snow”-style interlude (though slightly off the official setlist, the spirit was there), and soon everyone was clapping in rhythm for “Last Christmas.” The lighting design complemented these changes in mood—soft ambers and gentle whites for ballads, brighter colors for upbeat numbers—enhancing a sense of narrative continuity. 

Midway through, Odom Jr. took a seat, further reducing the distance between performer and audience. This transition also marked a familial turn in the show, as he introduced a special guest: his own cousin, a renowned gospel singer, coming onstage for a rare family duet. The two had never performed together publicly before. There was both excitement and slight nervousness in Odom Jr.’s demeanor as he confessed, “I didn’t mess up this song too bad, did I?” The moment humanized him, letting the crowd see his own hopes and vulnerabilities. 

The show’s final stretch alternated between grand gestures and understated moments. A reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” added a narrative dimension. Classics like “O Tannenbaum” and “Ave Maria” were rendered with respectful earnestness, while “Merry Christmas Darling” and “I Wish You Love” gently guided the audience toward a graceful close. For the encore, Odom Jr. and the band scaled back to a purely acoustic set, the drummer tapping on a simple box, the pianist and guitarist keeping things mellow and intimate—an ending that felt as comforting as hot cocoa on a winter’s eve. 

In reflecting on the performance, what stands out is Odom Jr.’s ability to balance the grandeur of a holiday concert with personal touches. He honored the best-known Christmas standards but refreshed them with subtle jazz inflections, choral harmonies, and instrumental flourishes. At every turn, he acknowledged the band, the audience, and the holiday itself, creating a loop of shared appreciation. Though there were moments of clear emotional vulnerability—he seemed genuinely eager to please and to connect—these only enhanced the overall experience. The result was not only a masterclass in holiday concert delivery, but also a heartfelt gathering of friends, family, and community united by music and the spirit of the season. 

Setlist: 

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (D Maj / Bb Maj 

My Favorite Things 

Christmas Waltz 

The Christmas Song (Drums) 

Christmas 

Christmas 

First Noel 

Winter Song 

Please Come Home for Christmas 

Cold 

Jesus Gave Me Water 

He's So Wonderful

Snow (E Maj) 

Last Christmas 

Twas' The Night Before Christmas Reading What Child Is This? 

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Interlude) O Tannenbaum 

Ave Maria 

Heaven And Earth 

Merry Christmas Darling 

Wait For It 

I Wish You Love

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