Lotus to Jam Stage AE; Cirque Dreams ‘Holidaze’ at Benedum (Fri., 12/30/16)

1) Lotus are no strangers to Pittsburgh. In 2015, they played two shows at Stage AE: one in January and another on New Year’s Eve. They return to Stage AE for another two concerts, this time on consecutive nights, but once again helping Pittsburghers usher in the New Year. The festivities begin New Year’s Eve Eve. Lotus, originally from Indiana, are known for incorporating electronic elements into their music. On their latest album, this year’s Eat the Light, they tried something new: vocals, with a different guest musician on every track. In concert, the band uses elaborate lighting and occasionally performs themed shows. One 2009 concert saw David Bowie costumes. During themed shows, the band plays covers as well as originals. (Some Bowie covers, if not an outright theme, would definitely be appropriate this year to honor the late Ziggy Stardust.) RJD2, known for hip-hop instrumentals like “Ghostwriter,” opens. Doors open 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Ornaments on a Tree. Photo Credit: Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Courtesy of Cirque Productions.

2) Oh my goodness! It’s “snowmen, penguins, angels, reindeer, toy soldiers … and of course Santa, with soaring acrobatics, gravity-defying feats, elaborate production numbers, illusions, and more.” Yep, it’s Cirque Dreams Holidaze, the touring holiday spectacle that is part three-ring circus, part Broadway-style musical, and 100 percent OK for small children as well as adults. Now in its seventh year, the show comes from Florida-based Cirque Productions, which sends out multiple casts to perform across the U.S. The word on the street (and in the press) is that it’s a real crowd-pleaser. 8 p.m. tonight, and two shows tomorrow. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. (MV)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvgexEXbmoM

3) Attention sports aficionados: There’s a great opportunity beginning today to watch several NCAA Division I hockey teams battle for the top prize in the Fifth-Annual Three Rivers Classic hockey tournament, presented by Robert Morris University. Other teams competing are Penn State, Quinnipiac University, and Ferris State. This is day one of the two-day tournament. First game starts at 4:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

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