A VERY VEGAS CHRISTMAS
TWO NIGHTS OF PURE HOLIDAY JOY
By Samuel Novak
Most people think of the Las Vegas Valley as a land of eternal sun. Nothing could be further from the truth. Southeastern Nevada does indeed have four seasons, and for many of us, the winter months are the most festive of all. We even get snow from time to time!
This year’s Christmas season has been especially joyous. We’ve been graced with parades, pop-up-themed bars, and seasonal attractions like “Glittering Lights” at the Las Vegas Speedway and “ENCHANT CHRISTMAS” (a massive new event at the Las Vegas Ballpark). Live entertainment has returned in the form of Nevada Ballet Theater’s “The Nutcracker,” Venetian’s “This Is Christmas,” and Alexis Park Resort’s “A Merry Motown Christmas.”
Cast of A Very Vegas Christmas – Friday Evening Show
Amanda King
To really capture the spirit of a Vegas yuletide, it’s best to front-load your show with entertainers who know and love the city. That’s precisely why “A Very Vegas Christmas” at Summerlin Performing Arts Center was such a special event. Heartfelt and brimming with warmth, this two-night extravaganza was the perfect way to spend an early December evening.
“A Very Vegas Christmas” was created by entertainers Kelly Vohnn and Amanda King. Ms. Vohnn is a longtime headliner whose musical roots are steeped in country flavor. Ms. King is a classy jazz vocalist who channels the styles of Ella Fitzgerald and Rosemary Clooney. The duo assembled a fantastic assortment of musicians, comedians, and singers for each night while serving as hosts and performers for the production.
Kelly Vohnn
Musical Director Patrick Hogan led David Vincola and the DV8 Band through old and new classics. Hogan performs regularly at The Nevada Room, Smith Center for the Performing Arts, and Bellagio’s Mayfair Supper Club with a voice as smooth as Sinatra’s. As a pianist, he’s accompanied several gifted artists, most recently Jonathan Karrant at Notoriety Live’s Sunday Jazz.
A true walk down memory lane, “A Very Vegas Christmas” evoked the spirit of TV variety hours from the sixties and early seventies. Like those memorable Christmas specials, it was packed with good-natured humor, holiday favorites…and, of course, plenty of guest stars!
Friday evening’s show was highlighted by a comical performance of “White Christmas” by Tenors of Rock’s resident Scotsman, Jimmy Denning. Beautiful Anne Martinez (BAZ, Red Penny Arcade) delivered a stunning “Oh, Holy Night,” comedian Dennis Blair filled the air with laughter, and Anthony Brady brought the sounds of Louis Armstrong to life.
Saturday’s performance welcomed the Broadway stylings of Brent Barrett, more laughter (this time from Star Search alumnus Geechy Guy), and songs from the lovely Lisa Gay. No performer exemplifies the spirit of Las Vegas more than Zowie Bowie, who brought down the house with a duet of “Winter Wonderland” featuring host Amanda King.
With so many tasks and responsibilities to occupy our time, it’s easy to forget the importance of recreation. So, give yourself the gift of live entertainment this holiday season and have A Very Vegas Christmas.
