THEATRE: GOLDEN GIRLS LIVE!
A holiday tradition since 2007 Golden Girls, "LIVE" is performed by four superstar drag queens who deliver the juicy Golden Girls lines better than the original silver haired ladies. This run focuses on the Christmas episodes. The Victoria Theatre in San Francisco’s Mission hosts this laugh a minute production once again after a year of virtual performances. This is always a hilarious romp and these four drag stars deliver on every level from shoulder pads to shoes to precise comic timing. A must see for the holidays with tickets from $30 to $60. More on the website but snag a ticket soon as they tend to sell quicker than Blanches’ hot cakes. True story!
MUSIC: ED SHEERAN & ELTON JOHN
British pop stars Ed Sheeran and Elton John have just released the Christmas song they hope will take them to the top of the music charts this holiday season. Complete with sleigh bells, ding dongs and a celestial choir - the song released just hours ago has all the hallmarks of a Christmas hit. The pop pair have tough competition from Adele and Lad Baby. Proceeds from sales will go to Elton’s AIDS Foundation and Sheeran’s Suffolk Music Foundation. Listen to the song now on YouTube and download via iTunes.
EVENT: HOLIDAYS IN THE PARK
San Francisco's 135 year tradition for the holidays continues in Golden Gate Park. Come one come all and enjoy the lights & sights in the park with much fun for the whole family. Food vendors, music performers and more plus the illuminated SkyStar Ferris Wheel.
TV: NATIONAL TREE LIGHTING
LL COOL J is your host for the National Tree lighting ceremony and concert this Sunday. The rapper & actor says Sunday is all about bringing the feel goods and unifying the country through music and performance. From country to gospel to soul, pop to rock, every music genre will be represented; The line up: Multi Grammy nominee H.E.R. , Chris Stapleton, Patti La Belle, Keb Mo, Maren Morris & many more. Enjoy the music and tree lighting spectacle from Washington DC, Sunday at 8 p.m. on CBS.
THEATRE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL
From the Old Vic in London to Broadway and now playing at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theatre this latest innovative and surprising production is a must see. Sure, Scrooge played brilliantly by Francois Battiste is haunted by the ghosts of Christmas past and there are Carol singers and feel goods but also the harshness of Scrooge’s cold heart that sends shivers throughout the Theatre. The Ghost of Christmas present played by Amber Iman displays a world of social disarray, poverty and misery, where Scrooge keeps his distance and assumes zero responsibility, an indictment of him that resonates with present times. Scorn and ridicule do not seem to affect Scrooge until his transformation and ultimate redemption. The Christmas gem delivers with stellar performances, unique & brilliant staging, innovative lighting and sound all reminders why this particular production scooped up a bounty of prized Tony Awards. Book your tickets now.
MUSIC: HANNUKAH SESSIONS
Foo Fighter Dave Grohl & musician pal Greg Kurston’s Hanukkah Sessions are back. Launched last year, the sessions last for eight consecutive days, with a different cover being performed each day. So far this year, they’ve performed rockin’ renditions of Lisa Loeb’s "Stay" and the Ramones' Blitzkrieg Bop", Amy Winehouse's "Take The Box". My fave, Barry Manilow’s crowd pleaser "Copacabana." Catch the sessions as the Festival of Lights continues on Dave’s YouTube channel. It’s EPIC on so many levels and plays tribute to Dave’s fave Jewish performers.
FUNDRAISER: GUIDE DOGS
The annual fundraiser for Guide Dogs gets underway this Sunday. The LIVE event will be streamed from the San Rafael Guide Dogs campus. There will be an opportunity to “name a puppy” and to do so perhaps to honor someone near & dear. I’ll perform as co-host and can’t wait to inspire some serious giving for more Guide Dogs being trained to serve those in need in our Bay Area community and beyond.
WINE: HOLIDAY PARTY PICKS
Debbie Z of the Ferry Plaza wine merchant shares her wine picks for the holidays. What to bring to a party or dinner and what to pair this season? The wine merchant has the answers and offers up a bounty of gift baskets and wine packages for every taste and palate. Enjoy our wine fueled conversation below.
Liam's List premieres Fridays on KPIX and is also available to download in a podcast via iTunes. Please email ideas to me at liam@liammayclemproductions.com.
Facebook: @liammayclem
Instagram: @liammayclem
Twitter: @liammayclem
Related
