MONROE — Christmas meets classic rock in Classical Blast’s Dark Side of the Yule concert, which provides a new take on Christmas, and a new take on classic rock songs. 

Already known throughout the Midwest for combining rock and classical music, performed on classical and rock instruments, the band’s live holiday concert melds Christmas and rock music.

Dark Side of the Yule features music from the band’s album of the same name (Toucan Cove/Universal label) and so much more, along with a variety of guest performers. 

This year’s concert is packed with musical performances. Music includes Pink Floyd’s Great Gig in the Sky mashed with the medieval Coventry Carol; Simon & Garfunkel’s Sound of Silence bleeds into Silent Night; Joni Mitchell’s River with Deck the Halls, the traditional Greensleeves married with Nights in White Satin by Moody Blues, Metallica’s Enter Sandman with a slightly twisted version of Dance of the Sugarplum Fair. There will also be original holiday songs, Christmas classics and more. 

Classical Blast is Petar Kecenovici, cello; Jimmy Chaos, violin; Bill Syniar on bass; Dave Kelly on drums and Sophie Monroy on lead vocals-guitar. Petar has performed live with the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Cheap Trick, Sting, il Divo and David Foster, while Bill toured worldwide with the nationally known rock band, Survivor, and has recorded and written music for a wealth of well known rock artists. The Monroe show also features Galena area rock singer Laura McDonald and her “Joplinesque” delivery. Classical Blast has opened concerts for Joan Jett, Michael McDonald, The Orchestra (members of ELO) and many other National acts.

Classical Blast will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th St. Tickets at monroeartscenter.com.