T cert Hall, 327 Lasuen St., Stanford. 650/724-2464. wo decades ago, Dave Koz,
Tiptoe through
the Season Smuin makes the holidays sizzle with its annual yuletide celebration
of dance, “The Christmas Ballet.” Leaping beyond
traditional tutu territory with an array of tap, swing and jazz,
this joyous showcase of styles offers both sugar and spice, with
the surprise unwrapping of new treats every year. The first act,
“Classical Christmas,” features dancers in twinkling snow-white
ensembles performing time-honored favorites of the holiday season.
The “Cool Christmas” second act delivers a red-hot costume
change along with a medley of modern festive numbers, including
the charming “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and the iconic
“Santa Baby.” Dec. 6–10, times vary. Tickets $56–$72.
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500
Castro St., Mountain View. 650/903-6000. n Four-time Grammy winner Reneé
December 2017/January 2018 13
Fleming is one of the most beloved
and acclaimed sopranos, captivating
audiences with her magnificent voice
and indelible artistry. At a White House
ceremony in 2013, President Obama
awarded her the National Medal of Arts, America’s
highest honor for an individual artist. Fleming has
graced the world’s greatest opera stages and concert
halls and is now extending her reach to jazz clubs, Broadway and
beyond. The decorated diva has even reached the opera-averse
masses with a crowdpleasing
performance
of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
at the Super Bowl. Jan 31, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30–$80. Bing Con-
“a nice Jewish boy,” launched his first-ever Christmas tour.
Now, fans and families across the country await the Grammy
nominee’s arrival with the kind of anticipation formerly reserved
for Old St. Nick himself, earning the master saxophonist the
nickname “Santa Koz.” This 20th anniversary tour reunites veteran
jazz virtuoso Koz with David Benoit, Peter White and favorite collaborator
Rick Braun, a guest on many of Dave’s holiday specials.
Newcomer Selina Albright will also join in the music-infused
festivities. Together, the five talented artists will perform fresh renditions
of Christmas classics along with
a jazzy Chanukah medley along with
original hits from each artist’s catalog.
Dec. 21, 8 p.m. Tickets $55-$95. City
National Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St.,
San Jose. 408/792-4111.
Star-Spangled
Singer
Santa
Koz
JAN. 31
DEC. 6 THRU.
10
DEC. 21