Christmas music embodies the spirit of the season, much like the National Anthem evokes Independence Day and the ambient compositions of Philip Glass reflect the existential angst of Valentine’s Day. Treat ears to Yuletide tunes with today’s GrouponLive deal: for $25, you get one ticket to The Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Rocks! Extravaganza at Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk on Saturday, December 17, at 8:15 p.m. (up to a $69.65 value, including all fees). Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Seating will be located in loge sections 18–21, rows N–W.
Consummate guitarist Brian Setzer leads his heralded orchestra for an extravaganza of classic Christmas tunes infused with swing-band bombast and rockabilly blitz, all led by Setzer's signature cache of Gretsch and other craftsman guitars. Favorite Yuletide ditties such as "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Run Rudolph Run" reverberate with rollicking percussion, boisterous brass, and the tuba's spot-on whale mating call. The band also tinsels eardrums with a vintage, cool '50s vibe during jazzy seasonal standards such as "Dig That Crazy Santa Claus" and "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus." Before the show ends with a customary candy-cane duel, Setzer may sprinkle his set list with non-holiday fan favorites from a career that spans more than 30 years.
Gibson Amphitheatre
One of California’s largest and most renowned venues, Gibson Amphitheatre lives up to its stellar reputation as a go-to entertainment destination by corralling sought-after acts into its sprawling confines. More than 6,000 seats on two levels angle toward the stage, granting visitors easy, unobstructed views. A state-of-the-art sound system, meanwhile, allows event goers to rock out to dynamic tunes or hear even the softest whispers between an encouraging roadie and a nervous guitar making its debut performance.