Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition you refuse to vary?  When I was a kid, and even after we’d left home, my brother and I insisted that our family be very ritualistic about Christmas.  We had to eat dinner as a family on Christmas Eve, and then we turned-out all the lights but the tree, and sat listening to Willie Nelson’s “Pretty Paper” on the record player while drinking eggnog with nutmeg.  We would open one present apiece, unless, of course, there were an uneven number of presents, in which case the person with the most presents would open more until we had an even number for Christmas morning!

The set-up on stage was impressive, housing four percussionists, both string and brass sections, an acoustic guitar, a piano, and a mammoth harp. Dressed to the nines in tuxedos, the band opened with a spirited version of Ravel's Bolero that was deemed illegal in France, according to pianist and band leader Tom Lauderdale. Why? Pink Martini puts their own spin on the classic song. (Apparently that kind of creative freedom is frowned upon across the pond.) Once that performance grabbed everyone by the collar and drew them in, charming front woman China Forbes sauntered out to center stage.

Never one to be left out in the "I'm more metal than you, dude" argument, gEnE throws down an invite on Slayer... to be our new mariachi band for the holidays.

So back in the day I used to say that my two favorite musicians were Peter Gabriel and Stevie Wonder. Then someone just called to say I love you, and Stevie dropped off that list.