I have to say it’s very odd hearing Christmas songs on the radio in November, especially when the stations commence playing them the first day of the month. Which is of course the day after Halloween…literally!
Rightly or wrongly though, that seems to have become the norm in recent years with radio nationwide. Not only that, even major and secondary retail outlets start decorating their places of business weeks before Black Friday.
To that end, you can also add Trans-Siberian Orchestra to the list of entities, if you will, that get the holidays going a little earlier as well. Like last year, TSO will be playing in downtown Phoenix at Mortgage Matchup Center (formerly PHX Arena, where the Suns play) on the last day of the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Only difference is last year it was on Sunday December 1. This year, it’s this Sunday November 30. Two shows by the way— afternoon and evening. But most of you attending the show are well aware of that.
Now that I think about it, they generally play Phoenix on the first Sunday in December for the most part. Either way, I’m sure it will be a cool way for some fans to end the weekend after all the shopping (and eating) they’ll be doing.
This year, TSO will be re-visiting The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, the 1999 made-for-TV (and DVD) film about a young runaway who takes refuge in an old, abandoned theatre on Christmas Eve. In recent interviews prior to the tour, lead guitarist and musical director Al Pitrelli has stated this year’s edition of the tour will be a “reimagined and expanded” presentation of the aforementioned modern holiday classic.
Additionally, for the second (of two) sets, there will be non-holiday selections performed from the 2000 album Beethoven’s Last Night in celebration of its 25th anniversary. According to Pitrelli, some of the songs from the album are being played for the first time during a winter tour.
By the way, if you like vinyl (and what music fan doesn’t?) that album was re-issued as a gatefold double-album back in September. Yes, keep that in mind as a gift for the TSO fan in your life. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.
It should be said that a TSO show has a little something for everybody. It’s part arena rock, classical music, a little R&B music and part storytelling akin to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol within a (roughly) 2-hour and 20-minute performance. Yes, it’s also “An Evening With…” which means no opening act for those who might not be aware.
Most importantly, one doesn’t have to celebrate the holidays to enjoy a TSO concert. It’s a sight-and-sound extravaganza for anyone who just wants to enjoy a night of live music.
For those attending the 7:30 p.m. show, there will be a “blast-from-the past”, if you will, returning for the first time since 2019… the TSO Signing Line. Fans will have a chance to get one item signed by a member of the band… for free. It’s something that the band itself is looking forward to as well.
“People would come up to me in the autograph line and say something like…”This is my daughter. Because of the show last year, she wanted to start taking violin lessons. Or I’d hear, “my son wants to be a drummer”, Pitrelli explained to Larry Mac of KLPX radio in Tucson.
He continued. “I missed hearing those stories and having that kind of interaction with our fans”, he said enthusiastically.
Of course, what can never be overstated is the philanthropic nature of TSO. For both shows, one dollar from every ticket sold will go to two long-running local charities. For the 3:00 p.m. show (presented by 99.9 KEZ radio), the beneficiary will be Operation Santa Claus.
Likewise, for the 7:30 p.m. show (presented by 100.7 KSLX radio), the beneficiary will be the Arizona Animal Welfare League.
On behalf of all of us at Beneath A Desert Sky, have a safe and happy holiday season. We look forward to a very active 2026.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Trans-Siberian Orchestra ‘2025 Winter Tour’
WHEN: Sun. November 30, 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mortgage Matchup Center (i.e. Phoenix Suns Arena), 201 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Phoenix
TICKETS: Between $55-$299, available at trans-siberian.com and ticketmaster.com.
