LOS ANGELES – The family that plays together stays together and in the case of the Chapman family, they are about to embark on a month-long performing tour of China in December, including 19 cities in total.

Now deep in rehearsals, “The Von Chaps,” as they are calling themselves, will be concentrating on a program of songs from Broadway and the Great American Songbook, which are not widely known to Chinese people.

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The family, Alan, Karen, Molly, and Jake, first performed together in 2007, but it wasn't until recently that the idea of hitting the road with an evening of song started to become a reality.

Alan Chapman, widely known to Angelenos as one of KUSC’s classical music hosts, said, “[A friend] called us up and said, ‘I have a friend who books tours in China. Are you interested?’ We said, ‘Yes!’”

At first, the plan was for Alan and his wife Karen to perform as a duo, but Karen had a better idea.

“I said, ‘Would you consider including my children, who are both musicians, and creating a family affair,’” said Karen Chapman.

Alan and Karen have been performing for many years together, but this new China tour will kick things up a notch for the family. At rehearsal, Molly Chapman explained that the family might have its musical disagreements, but in the end, it is all about the quality of the show.

“All of us being into different things, playing different instruments, some sing more than others. I think we all respect the fact that we just want to make the arrangements the best they can be in the show,” said Molly Chapman.

With recent political and economic tensions between the U.S. and Chinese governments, and entering a country where government scrutiny can be a concern, Alan Chapman says great steps were taken to ensure there wouldn't be any problems.

“We had to submit not only a complete playlist,” said Alan Chapman, “but complete lyrics which were translated into Chinese for local approval at each of the nineteen theaters. So, there are no surprises, and no changes.”

Alan Chapman says the family is aware of the symbolic nature of their cultural exchange and they are treating their tour, in part, as a kind of goodwill tour.

“We can’t avoid the fact that we are American musicians,” said Alan Chapman, “and to whatever extent we can forge a nice relationship with our audiences, that is important to us.”

Mostly, “The Von Chaps” are excited to share their love for the classic American songs they will be bringing to their Chinese audiences this December and will be kicking off the tour here in Los Angeles at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood.

For ticket info visit the website here.