The New Standards Holiday Show

Two shows: Dec 19 7:30pm, Dec 20 3pm.

This holiday variety show mixes jazz, pop and festive classics with smooth harmonies, lively performances and special guests. Minnesota stalwarts The New Standards create an intriguing blend of everything from classic cabaret to punk rock, from the freedom of jazz, to the soul of pop and rock. They make it work through offbeat humor and sheer musicianship. The instrumentation is simple: John Munson of Trip Shakespeare/Semisonic fame on bass, Chan Poling, founder of the new-wave group The Suburbs on piano and Steve Roehm on vibes. Chan and John split the singing. A footstomp here, a shout-out there, a fiery solo and it’s cooked. Simple, elegant, illuminating. Tickets: $53-$73, available at sheldontheatre.thundertix.com.