Grammy-nominated R&B star KEM is set to headline the 17th annual “Soulful Christmas” benefit concert in Dallas, bringing his soulful melodies to the Winspear Opera House on December 19, 2025, in what organizers predict will be a sold-out show.
The holiday benefit concert, which has become a staple of Dallas’ yuletide calendar, supports the Maiden Foundation’s work with youth from marginalized communities, particularly in South Oak Cliff. Tickets are moving quickly, with prices ranging from $101 to a premium $835 for the most coveted seats, according to listings from various ticket platforms.
“Sometimes you hear all the negative news about young people. So when you have those opportunities to invest in people’s lives and see that change come about, it’s really fulfilling,” said Terrence Maiden, whose foundation organizes the annual fundraiser. “We’re excited about KEM this year. We’re almost at a sellout and hopefully we get there by this evening,” he added.
From Homelessness to Harmony
KEM’s appearance carries special resonance given his personal journey. The multi-GRAMMY nominee’s path to musical stardom wasn’t straightforward — he overcame addiction and homelessness before releasing his breakthrough album “Kemistry” in 2002, which launched a career that now boasts eight #1 chart-toppers and multiple Grammy nominations.
“The piano was my refuge and my solace – it laid the foundation for the trajectory of my life and my career. I have been nurturing my relationship with my music since childhood,” the artist has shared about his journey.
Why does this concert consistently draw Dallas’ holiday crowds? It’s not just the music. The event has evolved into a tradition that brings together families and colleagues for an evening of upliftment during the holiday season, all while supporting a cause that addresses systemic challenges facing local youth.
Concert Details
Set for Friday, December 19, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, the evening will also feature Dallas’ own Brittany Holmes as the opening act. According to promotional materials, the main event begins at 8:00 PM, though a special invite-only VIP reception will be held earlier at 6:30 PM.
Ticket availability is becoming increasingly limited. One platform reported just 51 tickets remaining in certain sections, while another showed 158 tickets still available across various price points. The Winspear Opera House, located at 2403 Flora Street in Dallas, provides an intimate setting for what promises to be one of the season’s musical highlights.
The Maiden Foundation’s work focuses specifically on empowering youth from South Oak Cliff and other marginalized Dallas communities. Through programs funded by events like the Soulful Christmas concert, the organization has established itself as a meaningful force for positive change in the city’s underserved areas.
“It’s really an opportunity to have families come together – friends and colleagues – to be uplifted and inspired,” Maiden noted about the upcoming concert.
For those seeking a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season while contributing to community development, KEM’s soulful performance might just strike the perfect chord — assuming you can still snag a ticket before they’re gone.
