Variety of festive, fun holiday shows set for Sonoma County

Professional performers may sing about being home for the holidays, but many of them probably don’t spend much time there during the Christmas season.

That’s when nationally and internationally known entertainers of all kinds, as well as regional favorites, hit the road for seasonal concert tours.

Two of the North Bay’s leading concert venues for big-name name acts, Green Music Center in Rohnert Park and Wells Fargo Center in Santa Rosa, have made sure you won’t miss out on the fun.

Beloved singer Johnny Mathis and mellow jazz saxophonist Dave Koz will fill Green Music Center’s Weill Hall with sounds of the season, while Wells Fargo Center will offer masterful gospel music by the Blind Boys of Alabama and seasonal tunes with an Irish flavor from the Celtic Woman ensemble.

Nov. 30 - “The Ninth Annual Chris-MIX.” A night of acoustic music features American Authors, Uncle Kracker and Jacquie Lee, 2013 runner-up on “The Voice” TV talent contest series. Presented by MIX Radio, 104.9 FM and North Bay Kitchen & Bath Design Center. Silent auction benefits Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 7 p.m. $20-$30. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Dec. 6 - “Home for the Holidays.” The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus brings its annual concert tour to Santa Rosa for a performance at 7:30 p.m. The evening features both old favorites and some new works, including the world premiere of a new piece by American contemporary composer Ola Gjeilo. The chorus likes to keep things lively, so expect appearances by Santa, his elves and reindeer, a 1980s nativity scene and an ugly sweater parade. $25-$40. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Dec. 9 - “Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas - The Symphony Tour.” The all-woman Irish vocal ensemble performs seasonal classics from its second Christmas album, “Home For Christmas,” including holiday favorites “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Silent Night”. 8 p.m. $59-$85. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Dec. 19 - “A Johnny Mathis Christmas.” Whether you’ve followed the classic pop crooner throughout his six-decade career, or whether you mentally link one of his 73 hits (such as “Chances Are” or “It’s Not for Me to Say”) with a special time in your own life, chances are good that you’ll enjoy seeing him live in a special concert at Weill Hall. 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $65. Green Music Center, Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu, 866-955-6040.

Dec. 19 - “Posada Navadena.” The Ballet Folklórico de Sacramento, featuring 20 dancers, brings Mexican folk culture to life at 7 p.m. $5-$10. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Dec. 21 - “The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show.” The legendary Grammy-winning gospel singing group brings its holiday show to Santa Rosa for the first time at 8 p.m. $28-$35. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Dec. 22 - “Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour.” Once again, ‘tis the season for mistletoe and saxophone, when Koz hits the road once again to celebrate the holidays in concert. This year’s guests include guitarist Jonathan Butler, singer-songwriter Christopher Cross and jazz singer Maysa. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Green Music Center. gmc.sonoma.edu, 866-955-6040.

You can reach staff writer Dan Taylor at 521-5243 or dan.taylor@pressdemocrat.com. Read his Arts blog at arts.blogs.pressdemocrat.com.

*Editor's note: The Dave Koz concert was originally posted as Dec. 21. The actual date is Monday, Dec. 22.