Direct from Las Vegas, the incomparable Sharon Owens is back as “Babs,” joined by entertainer Steve Leeds as “Tony,” with the duo returning to the Theatre at the Center stage in Munster to pay tribute to Barbra Streisand and the late Tony Bennett for two “early” New Year’s Eve Dec. 31 concerts. Owens and Leeds tour nationally together and will be joined on stage at Theatre at the Center at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster for their performance, sharing the spotlight with Chicago-based piano accompanist Chuck Larkin during the multi-media concert. The event includes nostalgic video clips and fan favorite songs to usher out 2025 as the two perform Barbra and Tony’s chart-topping hits and a few favorite holiday songs in this 2-hour, one intermission concert. The two early concert curtain options are 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., with show-only tickets priced at $60. There is also the option with either show to add on the multi-course lavish feast hosted by 10Forty Banquets and Catering for an additional $75, served under the glistening chandeliers in the ballroom across the theater lobby of The Center for Visual and Performing Arts. The New Year’s Eve dinner is served at 6 p.m. and requires reservations. Meal payments are made by calling 219-836-1930, ext. 2. The New Year’s Eve dinner menu includes assorted hot and cold Hors D’oeuvres followed by Butternut Squash Soup and then a Spring Mix Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing before the main entrée of Filet Mignon with Herb Compound Butter paired with Herbed Chicken Breast with White Zinfandel Sauce, accompanied by Fluted Duchess Potatoes, Fresh Asparagus and a dessert finale of White Chocolate Mousse Parfait with Blueberry Sauce and Fresh Berries, all toasted with a complimentary glass of champagne. Entertainer Shaggy headlines an exclusive New Year’s Eve concert celebration at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on Dec. 31, 2025. (Image courtesy of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana) One-name wonder Superstar Shaggy has spent the past two months helping Jamaica with relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa, including a benefit concert in New York City on Dec. 12 just weeks after he floated his way through Times Square during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has the singer still locked in for his New Year’s Eve concert celebration starring the Grammy Award-winner Wednesday, Dec. 31, performing his top hits. Doors open at 10 p.m. Orville Richard Burrell CD, better known by his stage name Shaggy, has earned his acclaimed career as a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist, producer and songwriter who now boasts actor credits. He has scored with hit songs like “It Wasn’t Me,” “Boombastic,” “In the Summertime,” “Oh Carolina” and “Angel.” He received two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album with “Boombastic” in 1996 and “44/876” with Sting in 2019, and won the Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist in 2002. He just announced he will once again share the stage with pal Sting at the New York City Metro Opera House for a string of summer concerts June 9-14. A bonus of the Hard Rock Northern Indiana ringing in the 2026 new year is rock band Lit performing a free concert on the Hard Rock Cafe stage at 11 p.m. Tickets for Shaggy are $144.35, including an open bar with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks. Options include hybrid seating, standing room only on the floor, and riser seating. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is located at 5400 West 29th Ave. in Gary, directly adjacent to the I-80/94 Burr Street Interchange.  For more information, call 219-228-2383 or visit www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com. Love thy Enemy Established in 1985 on the music scene, Public Enemy quickly became a household name as an American hip-hop group formed in Roosevelt, New York by Chuck D and Flavor Flav. The group attracted media attention for their political messages, including subjects such as American racism and the American media with their debut album “Yo!” In addition to Chuck D and Flavor Flav, other members of the group have included DJ Johnny Juice, Brian Hardgroove, Jahi, S1W Pop Diesel and S1W James Bomb. Public Enemy will perform one 8 p.m. concert Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at The Venue stage at Hammond Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive in Hammond. Tickets range in price from $62 to $256 and are available by calling 866-711-7463 or going to caesars.com/horseshoe-hammond/shows. Have a ball The city of Crown Point will again host a New Year’s Eve ball drop downtown at Clark and Main streets for a free, family-friendly outdoor celebration from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. beginning with a gathering in the courtyard square Wednesday, Dec. 31, despite any threats of rain, snow or cold. “Last year, we had a spectacular response to the first-ever ball drop in our downtown,” Crown Point Mayor Pete Land says. Festivities include a beer garden, DJ, fireworks, food vendors and a countdown. The countdown will be led by Mayor Land and surprise guests with help from Hype Productions. The city hosted the event for the first time in 2024 and worked with Herman’s Christmasland in Pierceton, Indiana, to design the huge glowing ball. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the trolley will visit municipal parking lots around downtown to bring attendees to the event. Earlier in the day, the city will host the Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party at Bulldog Park from noon to 4 p.m. The celebration is $5 and includes a DJ, magician, face painting, admission to Bulldog Park and a countdown. Note that this party is “not a drop-off event.” Admission can be purchased day of at Bulldog Park. Magic shows require free pre-registration the day of the event. Shows will be held at 12:30 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2 p.m., and 2:45 p.m. 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