Riders in the Sky
Since 1977, this delightful throwback group has been putting the Western and humor in country music. The ever-versatile Riders in the Sky have appeared everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry and “A Prairie Home Companion” to Ken Burns’ “Country Music” series and soundtracks for “Toy Story 2” and “Monsters Inc.” Now, the those three wise cowpokes — Ranger Doug, Too Slim and Woody Paul — bring their holiday show to Minneapolis featuring “Sidemeat’s Christmas Goose” and “Riding Home on Christmas Eve” as well as seasonal classics.
RIDERS IN THE SKY: CHRISTMAS THE COWBOY WAY
DEC 18 • 7PM
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Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Spice up your holidays with some New Orleans flavor. Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a NOLA institution, founded in 1963 in the French Quarter to keep the traditional jazz vibe alive. Preservation Hall, their funky old clubhouse on St. Peter Street, has become a top tourist destination to experience old school New Orleans. Tuba player Ben Jaffe, son of the PHJB founder, leads the always-rewarding touring band, which is bringing its Creole Christmas program to the other end of the Mississippi for the weekend.
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND PRESENTS: A CREOLE CHRISTMAS
DEC 19 • 7 & 9:30PM
DEC 20 • 6 & 8:30PM
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Minnesota-reared crooning pianist Andrew Walesch is home for the holidays with his swingin’ big band trip through the seasonal repertoire.
A SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS WITH ANDREW WALESCH & HIS BIG BAND
DEC 21 • 5 & 7:30PM
DEC 23 • 7PM
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Alicia Witt
If you watch Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel, you know this veteran actor. She’s starred in 10 of those oh-so-predictable holiday romances. Or maybe you know Witt from her recurring roles on the TV series “Cybill,” “Nashville” and “Orange Is the New Black” or her stint in 2023 on “The Masked Singer.” The piano-playing actor has maintained a music career on the side, with albums produced by Ben Folds and Jacquire King. Last year, Witt self-released “I Think I’m Spending Christmas with You” featuring seasonal chestnuts and a few originals, including the playful “Weird Time of Year,” the dreamy “You’re Gonna See This Tree” and the artificial “Soap Suds Snow.” She’s back at the Dakota for a second consecutive December.