Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Concert at PPG Paints Arena; Hollywood Casino at the Meadows Hosts Billy Price (Sat., 12/20/25)

December 18, 2025/Rick Handler

In 1996, musician/rock band manager Paul O’Neill hit upon the idea that Christmas tunes could be totally progressive and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra was born. The TSO plays holiday music, traditional and originals, with a Rush level of elaboration and technical skill, all of which has racked up millions of album sales. You probably know the band’s wailing, synth-infused version of “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo,” a.k.a. “Carol of the Bells.” It’s one of the most hardcore tracks that DJs pull out every December. Music like this deserves the arena treatment, with a great light show and all, so the TSO tours major venues at the holiday season annually. Paul O’Neill passed away from chronic health problems in 2017, and bassist Dave Z (David Zablidowsky) died that year too, in a motor vehicle accident. But the band plays on—surely, as these men would have wished—and the TSO visits PPG Paints Arena for matinee and evening performances, with a cast of dozens taking part. The show is billed as “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More.” 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (R.H./M.V.)

Trans-Siberian Orchestra performing in Hershey, Pennsylvania in 2006. (Photo by Matt, and Wikipedia.)

Pittsburgh soul and blues legend Billy Price knew from an early age that he wanted to be a singer. Growing up in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Price (then known by his formal name, William Pollak) sang in grade school and had the most popular bands in junior and senior high. And of course the band was doing all soul songs. He also had a band while attending Penn State University. After graduating he was in the Rhythm Kings, even playing the famous Fox Cafe in Shadyside. He was noticed by the late, renowned blues rock guitarist, Roy Buchanan, who drafted him to be the lead singer of his band. Post-Buchanan, Price formed the highly talented Billy Price and the Keystone Rhythm Band. And after closing the chapter on the Keystone Rhythm Band after many years, he went on to have a richly rewarding solo career which included being nominated for and winning numerous national blues awards including the prestigious Blues Music Award. He even recorded an album with the late great soul singer Otis Clay.

In 2024 Price reached a new zenith in his career with his first-ever album of all original songs, Person of Interest. See our story on the making of the album. He and his band are currently working on their new album, tentatively titled Random Madness, after one of the 11 new songs recorded at The Vault with producer Tony Braunagel and engineer Jimmy Hoyson. Price will be performing these and many of his classic tunes at the Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. 8 p.m. 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (R.H.)