In Brief: Music, theater and family fun

Music

'DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS'
MARK MUSICAL HOLIDAY

"It sounds funny," Dave Koz muses, "15 years of Christmas tours for a nice Jewish boy."

But that's exactly what's on tap when the smooth-jazz saxophonist rounds up some pals for this year's holiday tour, which visits The Smith Center Tuesday night.

What became an annual tradition "started out as a lark" for both Koz and pianist David Benoit , who came up with the idea, according to Koz.

The musicians definitely needed a lark at the time, because Benoit "had lost a parent and so had I," Koz recalls. "And it turned into this."

Benoit will perform some of Vince Guaraldi's beloved "Peanuts" scores, while percussionist Sheila E. "brings a whole new fire" to the holiday repertoire. Also joining the tour: "The Voice" winner Javier Colon, who "sings like a bird," according to Koz. And singer-songwriter Margo Rey introduces her new Christmas song, "This Holiday Night."

Overall, it's "a nice mix of personalities," Koz says. Along with "a big light show, a video wall" and all that music, the show should leave audiences "satisfied, entertained - and in the holiday spirit."

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets ($29-$89) are available by calling 749-2000 or visiting www.thesmithcenter.com.

Family fun

POSADA ADDS MEXICAN FLAIR
TO SPRINGS PRESERVE EVENT

A Posada, a Mexican Christmas celebration, transforms the Springs Preserve's Holiday Spectacular Sunday evening, adding special traditions to the ongoing seasonal event.

From music, dancing and pinatas to traditional food and drink, the Posada brings a taste of Mexico to the Holiday Spectacular.

And starting Saturday, the Holiday Spectacular continues nightly at the Preserve through Dec. 23, serving up seasonal cheer with live entertainment, photo ops with Santa Claus, cookie decorating, craft sales and other activities. "Snow" flurries are predicted in the Springs Amphitheater, where a Christmas tree, a Hanukkah menorah and Kwanzaa displays symbolize various holiday traditions. There are even "reindeer" rides for kids. (OK, so they're ponies, but what's the holiday season without a little imagination?)

The Holiday Spectacular continues from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 23 at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, free for 4 and under; for tickets and information, call 822-7700 or go online to www.springspreserve.org.

Musical theater

APPLE SISTERS MAKE
'CHRIST-MESS' AT ONYX

It's that time of year - time for the snappy Apple Sisters to present a "Holidoozy Christ-mess Special" full of three-part harmonies and decidedly spiked humor.

The award-winning musical comedy trio performs Sunday night at the Onyx Theatre.

In a throwback to the days of big bands and fireside chats, Candy, Cora and Seedy Apple (portrayed by Kimmy Gatewood, Rebekka Johnson, and Sarah Lowe) entertain with such seasonal ditties as "No Room at the Inn" (which teaches an important lesson: even if you're Joseph and Mary, you need reservations) and "Make It Snow NOW!"

Even Santa stops by - with a head full of jelly and a belly full of booze.

The Apple Sisters present their "Holidoozy Christ-mess Special" at 10 p.m. Sunday at the Onyx Theatre in Commercial Center, 953 E. Sahara Ave., No. 16. Tickets are $20 and are available by phone (732-7225) or at the door.

Music

DEANA MARTIN CELEBRATES
HOLIDAY, MUSICAL HERITAGE

Christmas is all about family - especially when your family includes one Rat Pack legend for a father - and two more as honorary "uncles."

Which sets the stage for this weekend's Deana Martin Christmas Show at The Smith Center.

Toasting the holidays with such cool Yule favorites as "Silver Bells," "Winter Wonderland," "The Christmas Song" and "White Christmas," Martin also salutes dad Dean Martin with his signature tunes, including "Memories Are Made of This" and "Everybody Loves Somebody." She also pays homage to her father's Rat Pack pals, "Uncle" Frank Sinatra and "Uncle" Sammy Davis Jr.

Martin performs at 7 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets ($37-$59) are available by telephone at 749-2000 or visiting www.thesmithcenter.com.

- By CAROL CLING