What’s Hot Central Florida: January 2018

Sunday, December 31

The Parliament House features Peppermint and Bob The Drag Queen live from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 and 9. Tickets are $20 in advance and they also have a $75 VIP Meet and Greet option. The Footlight players will be performing at 10p.m. and 12a.m., as well as comedian Julie Goldman in her stand up “Balls Dropped” at 7:30p.m.

Amalie Arena presents Jim Gaffigan in his stand up tour “Contagious. “Jim Gaffigan is a Grammy nominated comedian, New York Times best-selling author, top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling father of five. He recently wrapped the first season of his semi-fictitious television show, The Jim Gaffigan Show, which TV Land picked up for a second season and premieres this summer. The series, lauded by The Los Angeles Times as “Fun and Funny,” and People Magazine as “One of Summer TV’s bright spots. The Show starts at 7:30p.m. and tickets are: $32, $46 and $66.

Southern Nights Tampa & Southern Nights Orlando invites everyone to ring in the New Year with them as they feature a $15 all you can drink Wells (includes cover) with UPGRADES available for Call and Top Shelf. They will also feature a Balloon Drop, Champagne Toast at Midnight, Drag Shows and Go-Go dancers throughout the Night!

Wena’s Show Bar presents: Chicago The Musical FULL Production with one continuous show starting at 11p.m. featuring the entire cast of Wena’s: Bobbie Lake, Conundrum, Kaotica Divine, Vyn Suazion, Juno Vibranz, Kathryn Nevets, Crystle Chambers, Jakie St. James, Slayter Steele, De Delovely & Alec St. James! They will also feature a Champagne toast at midnight with a buffet too!

CFE Arena presents Kevin Hart in his “The Irresponsible Tour” at 7p.m. with tickets starting at $69.50. The show will feature new material from the comedy superstar! 2017 has been a banner year for Hart; his memoir I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons debuted at number one on the New York Times Bestseller list.  To close 2017, Kevin is appearing in the Sony reboot of the classic film Jumanji alongside Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black.

The Flamingo resort presents “Las Vegas Style Casino” with Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold-Em Poker, Big Wheel, and slot machines from 9p.m. to midnight. They will feature prizes for the top three players of the night. They will also feature a show at 11:30p.m. hosted by Iman and featuring the Blu Theater players, firework displays, DJs all day and male entertainers.

Bradley’s on 7th opens at 2:30p.m, and features a Parade Viewing Party at 4p.m., DJ Bruce Devery from 4-10-p.m., DJ Charles Machado from 10p.m.-3a.m. in the video bar,  DJ Steve Vaughn from 10p.m. to 3a.m. in the dance bar, show times at 11:30p.m, and 1:15a.m. Starring Tiffany Arieagus, Jaeda Fuentes, Hori Stevens and Felicity Lane, a live countdown from Times Square, a Champagne Toast at midnight, party favors, Bradley’s boys all night and no cover!

Tuesday, January 2

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents School of Rock from Jan 2 – 7. School Of Rock is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and “An Inspiring Jolt Of Energy, Joy And mad Skillz!” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, “Fists Of All Ages Shall Be Pumping!” Tickets start at $45.

Southern Nights Orlando presents their Twisted Tuesday Grand Finale, where all of your Twisted Tuesday Final Winners will come back to compete for the Ultimate Prize….. $500 CASH, a Twisted Tuesday Trophy and a Tuesday Cast Position for a Year.  Winner is chosen by Audience Applause and a Panel of Judges. This exciting event features the music of DJ Melvin Sledge, is hosted by Axel Andrews with Kaija-adonis, MrMs Adrian and honors the 2016 Grand Finale Winner Mystree Hugga.  No cover before 11pm 21+ (18+ Welcomed).

Wendesday, January 3

Southern Nights Tampa presents their “So You Think You Can Drag” Semi Finals with a Candy land theme and hosted by Jade Embers & Gia Banks! The night will also feature Season 2 winner Artty.  They invite you to watch all previous winner compete for the $250 cash prize and a booking at Swank Saturdays.  No cover 21+ (18+ Welcomed).

Thursday, January 4

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White who first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon, but now as a chart-topping Grammy-nominated comedian and a feature film actor. Ron White has established himself as a star in his own right. White has always been a classic storyteller. His stories relay tales from his real life, ranging from growing up in a small town in Texas to sharing stories of his daily life to becoming one of the most successful comedians in America. All 4 of his comedy albums charted #1 on the Billboard Comedy Charts. He has sold over 14 million albums, and has been nominated for two Grammys. Tickets start at $41.

Friday, January 5

Southern Nights Tampa is celebrating the 6th anniversary of NeiBEARhood Takeover with the theme: “Revenge Of The Sixth” (A Star Wars/Si-Fi Fetish Event) staring DJ JB Burgos. The night will also feature a 1 a.m. costume contest. There is no cover before 10p.m. and this is a 21+ only event!

Saturday, January 6

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder today at 8p.m. and Sunday January 7 at 3 p.m.  Getting away with murder can be so much fun… and there is no better proof than this knock-‘em-dead hit show.  A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder is the winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical, and tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. All the while, Monty juggles his mistress (after more than just love), his fiancée (his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! The Hollywood Reporter raves, “Gentleman’s Guide restores our faith in musical comedy.” Tickets start at $51.

Tuesday, January 9

Orlando’s Amway Center presents Shakira in her El Dorado World Tour at 7:30p.m. with tickets starting at $47.50. Over the course of Shakira’s career, the Colombian singer-songwriter has sold over 60 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards including two Grammys, eight Latin Grammys, and several World Music Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She is also the only South American artist to have a number one song in the U.S., and has had four of the 20 top-selling hits of the last decade.

Thursday, January 11

Southern Nights Tampa presents their annual “Turnabout,” a benefit for Metro Wellness & Community Centers. Thy invite you to watch as your favorite staff members perform in DRAG!
Doors Open at 8pm $5 Suggested Donation (18+ Welcomed) with ShowTime at 9pm hosted by: Jade Embers with Gia Banks.

Friday, January 12

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents Forever Plaid from today until March 11 with tickets starting at $42. When four young singers are killed in a car crash, they posthumously take the stage for one final gig in this goofy, 1950’s nostalgia trip. This deliciously fun revue is chock-full of classic barbershop quartet harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies! Singing in close harmony, squabbling boyishly and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with overzealous precision, the Plaids are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs that keep audiences rolling in the aisles when they’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950s.

Saturday, January 13

The Parliament House presents, direct from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9, and making her Orlando debut: AJA. Doors open at 8pm. Shows with the Foolight Players and Aja at 10p.m. & 12a.m. General Admission sold at the door only. VIP/Photo Op tickets are on sale now. 18+ welcome.

Sunday, January 14
The Parliament House presents April Fresh’s Comedy Brunch Buffet featuring a delicious brunch buffet which begins at 12pm with the show beginning at 1pm featuring: April, Sorcha Mercy, and Alexi Leigh. Brunch Buffet- $19.99 (18+); Brunch Buffet with bottomless mimosas – $29.99 (21+).

Wednesday, January 17

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Chita & Tune: Just In Time, which is a unique concert event that pairs two of Broadway’s most celebrated legends. Chita Rivera and Tommy Tune collectively have won 12 Tony Awards and this iconic Broadway coupling is guaranteed to dazzle you! Chita has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and received eight additional Tony nominations. Tommy has been honored with 10 Tony Awards recognizing him as an outstanding performer, choreographer, and director. The stars will showcase the artistry and history that has made them stars of the Great White Way and beyond.  The duo will be accompanied by a trio of superb Broadway musicians.  The show starts at 8p.m. with tickets starting at $26.

Thursday, January 18

Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts in association with AEG presents Jake Owen in The Good Company Tour at 8p.m. Jake Owen has had six No. 1 singles to date – the 2X Platinum anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” Platinum-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You” and “The One That Got Away” plus Gold-certified “American Country Love Song.” The RCA Nashville recording artist recently released his fifth studio album, American Love, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. The Vero Beach, FL native is well known for his high-energy performances and laid-back style. Tickets: start at $35.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents…..It’s not a concert…it’s a party!   Spend a nostalgic evening saluting 3 of the world’s most beloved musical groups who were instrumental in creating the Rock & Roll/Doo Wop sound: Cornell Gunter’s Coasters (Charlie Brown, Yakety Yak); The Platters featuring 4 of America’s premier singers performing their greatest hits (Only You, The Great Pretender); and The Drifters, one of Rock & Roll’s founding vocal groups with their 50 year catalog of hits (Under the Boardwalk, This Magic Moment).  This show, which starts at 8p.m. has songs to please every palate, delivered just the way you remember them, when you first heard them on the radio! Tickets start at $26.

Friday, January 19

Riverdance: 20th Anniversary Tour plays both the Straz Center for the performing Arts (Jan 19-21; tickets start at $35.25) and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Jan 26-28; tickets start at $34.25). Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in rock, music, theatre and film – nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, and comes directly to North America from a sold out run across Europe and Asia.

Orlando’s Amway Center presents Miranda Lambert in her “Livin’ Like Hippies Tour” at 7p.m. with tickets starting at $39.75. The Livin’ Like Hippies Tour receives its name from the lyrics of Lambert’s aptly titled song “Highway Vagabond” which appears on The Nerve side of Lambert’s 24-song, double album, The Weight Of These Wings.The new album, The Weight Of These Wings, is the Texas native’s sixth studio album and since its release in November 2016 the record has been certified Platinum by the RIAA, spawned two Grammy Award nominations for its lead single “Vice,” been awarded the ACM Album of the Year, and most recently racked up FIVE nominations for Lambert at the upcoming CMA Awards including a coveted Album of the Year nod.

Sunday, January 21

The Flamingo resort presents the Mr. and Miss Flamingo Pageant honoring Kenya Black and Johnny Sparks (Mr. and Miss Flamingo 2017). The pageant starts at 6p.m. with the categories: Presentation, Swimwear, Talent, Formal Wear and Q&A. For contestant info contact Jon@FlamingoFLA.com.

Thursday, January 25

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents the iconic Paul Anka. The legendary singer/songwriter, one of the biggest teen idols of the late ‘50’s, is an ever-popular performer at the Van Wezel. With well over 500 songs to his credit, the most memorable being “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “My Way” and the famous theme from “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” Paul is the only artist in history to have a song in the Billboard Top 100 during seven separate decades. His concert starts at 8p.m. and tickets start at $81.

Friday, January 26

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Masters of Illusion, America’s largest touring magic show. They return with their “Believe the Impossible” tour! Nothing beats the experience of seeing a magic show in person. You will see grand illusions, levitating women, appearances, vanishes, escapes, comedy, magic, sleight of hand and beautiful dancers all rolled up into one live show! Only the best, most unique, amusing, astounding and amazing performers have been chosen to perform in this huge stage phenomenon. The show starts at 7p.m. with tickets starting at only $21.

Saturday, January 27

Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts added a second show at 10p.m. for Trevor Noah, who was the most successful comedian in Africa and is the host of the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. This year “The Daily Show” was nominated for a Writers Guild Award (Comedy/Variety Series). Noah also recently won Best Host at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards, as well as a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series for his hosting role on “The Daily Show – Between The Scenes.” He joined “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” in 2014 as a contributor. In February 2017 Noah debuted his 9th comedy special “Afraid of the Dark” on Netflix. Tickets start at $39.50.

Monday, January 29

Dr. Phillips Center for the Perfroming Arts in association with Bill Blumenreich presents Vice President Joe Biden: American Promise Tour. Joe Biden has always believed that when given a chance, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. As a scrappy kid from Scranton who rose to the Office of Vice President, he is no exception. During his 45 years of public service, one of Vice President Biden’s greatest strengths has been his ability to bring people together, even in crisis, even across difficult divides, all the while, respecting everybody at the table. Pre-Sale tickets start at: $68 (VIP Package: $325) and includes a copy of Vice President Joe Biden’s new memoir, Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose.

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents the Magic of Adam Trent. Direct from Broadway, Adam Trent, the breakout star of the world’s best-selling magic show The Illusionists, brings his signature brand of magic and illusion to this nonstop spectacle. The Magic of Adam Trent is an immersive entertainment extravaganza of magic, comedy and music perfect for the entire family. Don’t miss the next generation of magic! Tickets start at $45.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/12/26/whats-hot-central-florida-january-2018/