Some of Pittsburgh's top jazz artists will put a fresh spin on familiar Christmas tunes when the Oaks Theater hosts “An Old Hollywood Christmas.� The two-part performance combines the Biblical Christmas story with traditional Christmas songs and classic holiday movie music to create a unique event with a jazz twist. “The first part of the show is a narrative of the Christmas story told through Bible quotes and songs,� says drummer and event organizer Rick Laus. Songs in the first half include “Little Drummer Boy,� “Away in a Manger,� “Angels We Have Heard on High� and other favorites, all played with a jazz feel. “The second set is a celebration of the Christmas season with classic songs from the golden age of Hollywood,� Laus says. Selections are taken from movies such as “Holiday Inn� and “White Christmas� and include the songs “Blue Christmas,� “Silver Bells� and “Let It Snow,� among others. The show is the brainchild of Pittsburgh jazz singer Jessica Lee. She will narrate the first half of the show and is the primary vocalist for the evening. Although she finds it hard to pick a favorite Christmas song, she describes the show's opening number, the Amy Grant song “Breath of Heaven,� as particularly touching. “It's Mary and her thoughts when she realizes she is with child,� Lee says. “It's a beautiful, beautiful song.� A mix of popular and lesser-known songs make up the playlist. “I think people will enjoy the diversity of the show,� Lee says. “We're using the jazz art form to create unique forms of these songs.� Laus, who is the leader and drummer for Pittsburgh jazz group RML Jazz, collaborated with Lee on the show. One of his favorite songs in the show is their version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,� renamed “Ye Five Merry Gentlemen� and played in 5/4 time. “It has an interesting feel to it, an interesting arrangement,� Laus says. The show also features jazz guitarist Mark Strickland along with two other members of RML Jazz: Mike Clancy on sax and flute and Glenn Utsch on keyboard. “The folks involved in this are some of the best in Pittsburgh,� Laus says. “Mark Strickland is a well-known and legendary jazz guitarist. Jessica Lee is well-known around the Pittsburgh area and very talented. Folks are going to see some of the best in Pittsburgh.� Doors open at 6:30. At 7, Laus will offer free hand-drum lessons for kids and adults, who can then participate in a couple of songs on-stage, if they wish. The Oaks Theater features a full bar with food and drinks, a dance floor and both cabaret and theater-style seating. It has recently undergone a major renovation that retained its historical feel. “It would be great for people to come out and see the renovated theater,� Lee says. “It looks like Old Hollywood, like you're going back to the days of Frank Sinatra.� “An Old Hollywood Christmas� benefits the Pittsburgh Food Bank. Patrons are asked to bring boxes of cereal to donate. Cynthia Bombach Helzel is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.