Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at Benedum; Filmmakers Screen “The Overnighters” (CPs Tues., 12/16/14)

1) Mannheim Steamroller will bowl you over with their combination of great holiday music, special effects, and innovative lighting. Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis founded Mannheim Steamroller—named in part after an 18th-century German musical technique, the Mannheim roller—in 1975 to play a blend of rock and classical music. No record company would produce their records, so Davis set up his own, American Gramaphone, which paved the way for the band’s success. Mannheim Steamroller hit a higher level of popularity in ’84 with its first holiday album and is now one of the highest rated Christmas music acts in entertainment. 8 p.m. Benedum Center. 237 7th St.. Downtown Cultural District.

2) The Overnighters—When the fracking oil boom hit North Dakota, people flocked from all over the county with the hope of making their fortunes … only to discover almost none of the promised treasure was real. This film documentary tells the story of a local pastor who helped them pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. 8 p.m. Also on Dec. 17. Regent Square Theater,1035 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square.

3) Getaway to the tropics with a trip to Brillobox for Tropical Tuesdays. There you’ll feel the trade winds (heat flowing from the ducts) soothe your overdue vacation bones. Here’s a sampling of their specials $3 select craft cans, $4 frozen drinks, $10 California bubble bath, $10 Eva Peron, $7 Fernet con cola, and $6 Coronita Margaveza. You can also sop up the island drinks with $7 pineapple soy-glazed chicken or tofu skewers served with Caribbean sweet potato salad. Shoes and shirt required. 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield.

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