Detroit 2012 Holiday Concert Preview

The city streets are decked out in their holiday finest with lights and decorations around every corner. Usher in the holiday season by attending a stellar holiday concert. A great array of shows will be hitting downtown Detroit this year. The options that will get you into the yuletide mood are endless. From symphonic melodies and modern tunes to Broadway musicals and a traditional choir, the festive sounds of the season will soon fill the brisk winter air.

Tickets may be purchased here.This holiday performance features the children's chorus of the Michigan Opera Theatre. The Children's Chorus is a group of talented children, ages 10 to 16, from throughout the Detroit region. This annual concert features classic holiday songs and excerpts from well-known operas. Each ticket holder will get to enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres as well as additional goodies served after the performance. Both a silent auction as well as a raffle will be held at 2:30 p.m. All proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit the Children's Chorus.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Detroit Opera House
1526 Broadway St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 237-7464
michiganopera.org

Date: December 18-30, 2012
Price: TBD

Tickets may be purchased here.The timeless tale of the grinch, written by Dr. Suess, will engage young and old alike in this theatric Broadway musical. Follow the grinch as he attempts to destroy exuberant holiday spirit, only to be thwarted by the pure heart of a little girl. The whimsical story line and elaborate costuming are certain to capture the imagination of the audience. The creative set design will draw fans into "Whoville" with its unusual scenes and interesting characters. Please note that all attendees must be ticket holders.Related: Best Places for Cold Weather Activities with Your Kids in Detroit

Christmas with the Rat Pack
Fox Theatre Detroit
2211 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 471-6611
www.olympiaentertainment.com/foxtheatre

Date: Now through December, 2012
Price: $35-$70

Tickets for all show dates may be purchased here.Listen to traditional holiday ballads as sung in the musical stylings of the infamous trio of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin, otherwise known as The Rat Pack. Popular on the Las Vegas scene during the late 1950s until the 1960s, The Rat Pack ushered in an era of cool that has not been replicated to this day. The musical numbers of this limited theatre run will feature the Burelli Sisters and The Rat Pack Big Band. Audiences can expect seasonal favorites performed alongside select chart-topping hits from each artist respectively.

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Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration
Fox Theatre Detroit
2211 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 471-6611
www.olympiaentertainment.com/foxtheatre

Date: December 6, 2012
Price: $39-$89

Tickets may be purchased here.Celtic Woman is an Irish musical ensemble which features an exclusively female cast who performs songs which span from traditional Celtic ballads to modern songs. Impressive in talent and ability, this group of ever-changing members features vocalists who are accompanied by string instruments. This particular holiday ensemble is referred to as "The Symphony Tour" and will include a 45-piece live orchestra accompaniment. This event is special in that it is the inaugural tour, never before have these ladies performed an event such as this. The illustrious Fox Theatre will provide the perfect backdrop for the breathtaking talent of the songstresses with their symphony.

Tickets may be purchased here.Multi-talented musician Kenny Rogers will be performing a special concert at the Fox Theatre this holiday season. Mr. Rogers' show will be a mix of original and traditional Christmas ballads, as well as a selection of favorites from his roster of hits. Rogers is a renown Grammy award-winning artist who has released over 65 albums to date. Rogers generally writes songs that fall into the country music genre, however, many of his biggest hits cross barriers and are enjoyed by pop-music lovers as well. Rogers has performed onstage with notable musicians such as Dolly Parton and Lionel Ritchie.

Mannheim Steamroller is a new-age musical ensemble who performs Christmas music typically using a synthesizer. Audiences can expect to see the group led by founding member Chip Davis. This widely popular Christmas concert will feature the sweeping Christmas songs that Mannheim Steamroller is known for, as well as the addition of synchronized lights, a multi-media extravaganza and amazing special effects. This dramatic holiday show promises to be a unique event for all ages and will live in their memories for years to come.

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Nicole Wrona has been on the music scene since she was fourteen- standing in line to score tickets to the latest show. After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, she began working with a diverse range of musicians. She currently resides in Detroit. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.