For many, Christmas is not complete until they have watched Linus explain the true meaning of the holiday to Charlie Brown at the holiday pageant. As recognizable as these beloved characters are, a few notes from pianist Vince Guaraldi’s jazz soundtrack are enough to bring the spirit of the season back to any Peanuts fan. On Dec. 16, audiences will have a chance to relive the spirit of the holiday, when “A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Karl Stabnau Quartet” visits Jazz Central to perform the complete album of favorites from the 1965 TV special, plus more holiday music for the entire family.

Now in its eighth year of touring, the Rochester-based Karl Stabnau Quartet is a group of highly sought-after soloists with extensive performance credits.

“We all play a wide array of musical styles year-round, but something magical happens whenever we play these tunes each Christmas,” said Stabnau, leader and arranger of the seasonal concert. “We re-imagine the songs for our quartet while remaining true to the original score, all the songs from the album, including ‘Skating,’ ‘Christmas Time Is Here’ and ‘Linus and Lucy,’ along with original arrangements of other Christmas songs. We guarantee our audiences of all ages a fun and meaningful holiday experience.”

CNY Jazz Central is partnering with the Spanish Action League of Syracuse, La Liga, to help with their relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Maria. Audiences for this show and all other shows presented at the Jazz Central theater during December are encouraged to bring winter clothing items: caps, gloves, mittens, scarves, sweaters, boots and coats, to be donated to victims of Hurricane Maria who have been temporarily relocated to Syracuse.

Seating is limited in the cozy Jazz Central venue, and advance reservations are strongly suggested. Drinks, snacks and hot cocoa will be on hand.

What: A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Karl Stabnau Quartet

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St, Syracuse NY 13202

Cost: Admission $20, $15 seniors and under eighteen, at cnyjazz.org or 315-479-5299. Donations of winter clothing accepted.