Direct from his popular Las Vegas show, critically acclaimed entertainer Robbie Howard has returned to the Theatre at the Center stage for the holidays now through Dec 21 for a two-week performance run and all-new holiday show. His one-man tribute to Johnny Carson and “The Tonight Show” played t o TATC audiences in 2024. Now he’s sporting the unmistakable vocal stylings of Frank Sinatra for a Christmas concert variety show. He provides the pipes for “ole blue eyes” as well as recreating the voices of more than 60 show biz luminaries, including Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, Wayne Newton, Robert De Niro, Steve Martin, Tony Bennett and dozens more. The 90-minute show, which includes one 15-minute intermission, is a glittering stage toast to the holiday cheer of yesteryear. Howard will be surrounded by fresh poinsettias blooming, vintage 1960s silver aluminum trees, and a full bar to recreate the Palm Springs penthouse landscape, where Sinatra liked to entertain his famous friends. Tickets are $40 with the option of pre-show dining at certain performances to enjoy a menu highlight of all of Frank’s favorites recipes.  For an additional $30, guests can add the themed pre-show dining meal, available only at noon paired with matinee performances on Dec. 13, 17, 20 and 21. For an additional $35, guests can add the Sunday Champagne Holiday Brunch before the Sunday, Dec. 14 performance. Seating is available for 11 a.m.., noon or 1 p.m. Call for reservations and meal payment: 219-836-1930, ext. 2. Holiday live music The Michigan City Chamber Music Festival (MCCMF) is presenting two free, unique concerts for the holidays this month. The first is noon on Monday, Dec. 15 at Michigan City public library, 400 Franklin St. in Michigan City. The program will be “light and short” and appropriate for families and children of all ages. The next program is 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at the Bishop’s Mansion at Trinity Episcopal Church at 600 Franklin St. in Michigan City. This is also billed as a light program of traditional holiday music with a complimentary service of tea and light refreshments paired with the performance. These concerts feature Nic Orbovich on violin and Sunny Gardner Orbovich on viola. For more information call 219-561-1939 or at www.mccmf.org. Conducting yuletide cheer For audiences who might have missed the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra’s annual two sold-out popular “Holiday Pops” concerts earlier this month, or caroling music lovers looking for another opportunity, celebrate the season with Maestro Troy Webdell and the South Shore Orchestra as they return to the historic Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave. in Valparaiso this month for their “2025 Holiday Pops.” Two performances, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. This treasured Valparaiso tradition brings together joyful music from around the world alongside beloved Christmas classics. And of course, Santa himself will make a special appearance to lead the audience in a heartwarming holiday sing-along before heading off to deliver cheer across the globe. Tickets range from $27 to $60 by calling 219-548-9137 or www.memorialoperahouse.com. North Pole’s circus Dive into an enchanted holiday fantasy at “Santa’s Circus,” where Santa and Mrs. Claus have curated a show filled with joy and laughter for two days of performances this weekend at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 and at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 on stage at Four Winds Silver Creek Event Center, 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Michigan. Experience remarkable performers and awe-inspiring circus acts from around the world, all set in a Christmas wonderland aglow with sparkling lights and festive melodies and Santa Claus as the man in red ringmaster. The 90-minute show is a joyous evening of live entertainment, perfect for spreading Christmas cheer to all as the touring “Santa’s Circus” awakens the ‘inner child’ for all ages. Tickets range from $56 to $349 at 866-494-6371 or fourwindscasino.com. Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at [email protected]. ...read more read less