Saturday, December 03, 2011

Weekend Wonderland


Old National Centre fills stockings with music

Hanson (from left, Zac Hanson, Taylor Hanson and Isaac Hanson) will perform Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, at the Egyptian Room in Old National Centre.

Radio stations traditionally sponsor Christmas-themed concerts in December, but to have one Indianapolis station spread holiday cheer across three nights is unprecedented.
WZPL-FM (99.5) will divide its "Jingle Jam" franchise into three phases, beginning with a Hanson-headlined show tonight.
A roundup of holiday shows includes two veteran acts not necessarily known for Christmas tours (the Oak Ridge Boys and Chicago) and two veteran acts who are known for them (Mannheim Steamroller and Jim Brickman).
Don't be surprised if Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., has mistletoe hanging from every doorway. Eight of nine events highlighted here are scheduled for the multivenue facility.
For more information about these events, visit www.ticket master.com or call (800) 745-3000.

Oak Ridge Boys

The vocal quartet of Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, Richard Sterban and William Lee Golden is expected to perform a string of the group's hits, and then offer a post-intermission run of holiday favorites.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $30.50 to $50.50.

WZPL Jingle Jam I

On a bill that implies the past, present and future of Top 40 music, Hanson (known for 1997 hit "MMMBop"), Hot Chelle Rae (a band that reached No. 7 this year with "Tonight Tonight") and Kelly Taylor (the unsigned Indianapolis teenager responsible for WZPL favorite "Classics") will perform.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Egyptian Room in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $29.

WZPL Jingle Jam II

Singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson is enjoying increased exposure, thanks to "Run," his song that features Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush as guests. Pop balladeer Christina Perri and synthpop band Gentlemen Hall also will appear.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Egyptian Room in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $29.

WNOU Santa Slam

Demi Lovato will make her first Indianapolis appearance since she dropped off a Jonas Brothers' tour in October 2010 to seek treatment for "emotional and physical issues." Lovato's ex-boyfriend, Joe Jonas, shares the bill at this concert presented by radio station WNOU-FM (100.9).
Details: 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Egyptian Room in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $35.

Chicago

Pop-rock band Chicago -- known for No. 1 hits "If You Leave Me Now," "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" and "Look Away" -- released an album titled "XXXIII: O Christmas Three" in October. Dolly Parton, BeBe Winans and Steve Cropper made guest appearances on the 14-song collection.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $41.50 to $116.50.

WZPL Jingle Jam III

The final Jingle Jam installment showcases platinum-selling bands the Fray and Simple Plan. The Fray, led by vocalist-pianist Isaac Slade, will release album "Scars & Stories" in February. Pop-punk act Simple Plan issued an album titled "Get Your Heart On!" in June.
Details: 6:45 p.m. Dec. 7, Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $41.50 to $89.75.

X103 Not So Silent Night

After spending autumn on tour as a supporting act for Foo Fighters, U.K. rock trio the Joy Formidable will headline a holiday show sponsored by radio station WRZX-FM (103.3). Kentucky-based sextet Sleeper Agent also will appear. Female vocalists are a connecting thread for the Joy Formidable (Ritzy Bryan) and Sleeper Agent (Alex Kandel).
Details: 9 p.m. Dec. 16, the Vogue, 6259 N. College, $13.

Mannheim Steamroller

Instrumental act Mannheim Steamroller issued its first Christmas album in 1984, and since has become the top-selling Christmas artist in history. The music features keyboards, guitar, violin, recorder and drums (where Mannheim mastermind Chip Davis is stationed during concerts). Current album "Christmas Symphony," featuring the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, arrived in stores in October.
Details: 8 p.m. Dec. 19, Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $40 to $65.

Jim Brickman

Pianist Jim Brickman is on tour to promote "All Is Calm: Peaceful Christmas Hymns," an album sold exclusively through Target stores. Ben Utecht, who played tight end for the Indianapolis Colts for four seasons, is a featured vocalist on Brickman's tour. Singer Anne Cochran and violinist Tracy Silverman round out the bill.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28, Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $23 to $63.
Call Star reporter David Lindquist at (317) 444-6404.

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