Christmas extravaganzas dominate two festive months of music, dance, laughter, and love…
There’s nothing like a Christmas in Las Vegas. The sights, sounds, scents, and spectacle make the holiday season unforgettable. So do the Sin City artists who work overtime to bring joy to the world. Many Vegas-based entertainers have gone retro, releasing their music on vinyl (see above). From 98 Degrees to the All Motown cast, if it spins….play it!
After dusting off your holiday vinyl collection, you’ll want to plan your entertainment calendar. Leading into “Christmas proper”, our latest round-up of One Night Stands includes various single-night performances, some classy and others scintillating.
Let’s begin by going to church. Literally. Beloved musical director/pianist Philip Fortenberry will be honored in SIXTY YEARS ON THE BENCH, a concert gala held at Community Lutheran Church on East Tropicana. A veteran of Broadway, concert halls, Las Vegas stages, and the 2013 film Behind the Candelabra, Mr. Fortenberry will celebrate sixty years of music on November 15th at 7 pm. Get your tickets here.
Prior to lacing up that Thanksgiving turkey, head over to Phoenix Lounge at 4213 West Sahara Avenue. Start the holidays in Sin City style with a little burlesque. Tricky Tatiana of BurlesQ returns to mesmerize audiences with a new troupe of sexy dancers. I SPY BURLESQUE fall edition is hosted by Miranda Glamour and performs on November 18th at 8 pm. There is no cover charge, 21+ only.
Sin City’s latest vocal sensation is “Monique” (né Monique Maffei Hester). The multi-hyphenate singer/writer/motivational speaker has become a Composers Room favorite. Monique returns to the Showlounge Stage on November 20th for GOLDEN VOICE: A Tribute to Connie Francis. Showtime is 7 pm. Tickets are only $20 and can be ordered by following this link.
JOI Jazz Orchestra is a Sin City treasure that everyone should discover. Our two-part feature earlier this year (here and here) covered the orchestra’s formation and mission. Now you can enjoy this group’s incredible talent in JOI TO THE WORLD: THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS CONCERT.
Featuring original arrangements from Glenn Miller’s “In The Christmas Mood” recordings, this all-ages show is sure to delight even the most devout of Scrooges. Tickets for JOI TO THE WORLD are $30 and can be purchased here. Head to Starbright Theater on November 26th. Showtime is 6 pm.
Las Vegas is often called “The Ninth Island” thanks to its large population of Hawaiian natives. Myron’s Cabaret will bring the music of a Hawaiian holiday to the city on December 1st by way of CHRISTMAS WITH THE MAKAHA SONS. Performances are slated for 3 pm and 6 pm. Get tickets here.
Here’s a genuine curiosity that this writer is entirely unfamiliar with. When all else fails, a little cut-and-paste from the advertisement gets the job done:
“Experience with us the GERMAN OFF BROADWAY DEBUT and LAS VEGAS DEBUT of Gina de L’Amore’s “GINA’S CHRISTMAS COMEDY SHOW – LIVE!” originally from Germany! Enjoy the special cozy, touching, and familiar German Christmas feeling in this show and forget about everyday life for a moment.”
Showtimes are December 4th at 5 pm and 7 pm. Tickets start at $35…follow this link to purchase.
Chadwick Johnson is one of the hardest-working vocalists in the city. When not on the road, he’s recording new music, promoting his latest album, or entertaining in his hometown of Las Vegas. CELEBRATE ME HOME is the heartthrob’s annual holiday gala/birthday production. It’ll take place on December 5th at 8 pm. Ticket prices include a buffet dinner beginning at 6:30 pm. Get your tickets at the Italian American Club by heading here.
Some annual traditions are not only welcome but very nearly necessary. A VERY SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS has grown into a grooving must for the holiday season. Besties Alex Papa (Piano Man, The Spazmatics) and Vincent John (The Bronx Wanderers) return with their razzle-jazzy take on Christmas standards.
This year Alex and Vinny are joined by Paul Johnson (BAZ, Raiding The Rock Vault). Backed by a first-class band and a pair of sexy dancers, the “Bad Boys of Christmas” hit Freedom Hall on December 6th at 7 pm. Tickets start at $30. Order here.
If you can’t make that performance, head to Starbright Theater the following night. The Summerlin show will be at 6 pm and tickets are available here.
You may know him as half of The Righteous Brothers, but Bucky Heard is a powerful, popular recording artist in his own right. The dazzling vocalist presents WITH ALL EYES AGLOW at Sun City Anthem’s Freedom Hall on Saturday, December 14th. Bucky will reteam with his friend, thrilling guitarist John Wedemeyer (The Beach Boys), for this very special holiday show. Tickets here.
Mariah Carey is often called the “Queen of Christmas”, but in Las Vegas, Travis Cloer reigns supreme. The handsome vocalist is back with the latest edition of Christmas At My Place, which will undoubtedly sell out (if it hasn’t already). Travis will perform with guest Niki Scalera on December 14th at Aliante Casino. Showtime is 8 pm, and tickets can be reserved here.
An evening with Chris Ruggiero is like a warm hug and a cup of hot cocoa. The velvety-voiced young crooner with an old soul returns to the Italian American Club on December 18th. Tickets for Christmas with Chris Ruggiero are $70 and include IAC’s famed buffet dinner. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Make reservations by calling 702-457-3866 or clicking here.
We’ll have lots more in Round Two of ONE NIGHT STANDS – Holiday Edition, coming soon.