Trans-Siberian Orchestra salute to perform
Perhaps the only light reindeer like is the one from Rudolph’s nose.
Or maybe they just choose to eschew the spotlight.
Whatever the reason, the live reindeer brought on stage during a Christmas Wizards concert one year were having none of it.
“We had Santa in the sleigh with reindeer at one of the shows. That was pushing it. The reindeer didn’t cooperate,” said Bob Biagi, lead vocalist for classic rock cover band Infinity, which transforms into Christmas Wizards during the holidays.
“They got excited with all the lights going. I didn’t think that would scare them, but the reindeer did not cooperate. They wanted out.”
Nobody was hurt, but suffice it to say that reindeer won’t be joining the band again any time soon.
Now in its 12th year, Christmas Wizards spends the weeks leading up to the holidays performing a musical and multimedia tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra at venues in Illinois,
Indiana and Wisconsin. The show, Christmas Wizards: A Trans-Siberian Holiday Salute starring Infinity, has been selling out at several venues.
“Everything’s selling out, knock on wood,” Biagi said. “The band’s like at a different level this year. It took us 11 years to get here, but it’s a whole different animal this year.”
This year’s shows include a now sold-out performance Dec. 9 at Tinley Park Convention Center, two shows (evening show sold out) Dec. 10 at The Vixen in McHenry, 5 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines, and 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, which is where the band played its first TSO tribute show 12 years ago.
“It started at Bourbon Street so every year we end the run at Bourbon Street,” Biagi said.
The show, which features plenty of interaction with audience members, added even more production elements this year, he said. Lasers, lights, snow machines and video boards were already part of the show.
“Not to this level. Now it’s two trucks,” Biagi said. “When we played our first show (this season) we couldn’t bring it all in because they ran out of power.”
Infinity’s tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra began after Biagi saw the band perform several years ago at the Cadillac Palace in Chicago. It just started out with Infinity just playing a few Trans-Siberian Orchestra songs at concerts. People enjoyed it, so they decided to put a show together the following year and it continued to grow.
“It got bigger and bigger and bigger until now,” Biagi said. “This is hands down the best lineup and the biggest show we travel with now.”
In addition to Biagi on vocals and guitar, the band includes Lance Tuula and Matt Rek on guitars, Robert Watson and Ben Tuula (Lance’s brother) on keyboards, Dean Maltese on drums and Mike Szot on bass. They are joined by a choir of four: Ashlee Biagi (Bob’s daughter), Daniella Crocco, Sonia
Membrenio and Diana Jade.
Together they perform two 75-minute sets. Biagi said the band owes Trans-Siberian Orchestra a debt of gratitude for allowing Infinity to do the show.
“If they didn’t give us the OK, we couldn’t do the show,” he said. “It’s the tuxes, it’s the lighting, it’s the story of Christmas. We just add to it with the classic rock and we do the Christmas songs.”
The music and audience interaction often leads to dancing in the aisles.
“You just can’t sit and watch the show. You clap hands, stand up, dance or sing with us because we’re going to be right in your face,” Biagi said.
Entire families will often attend the show each year, and everyone leaves in a good mood.
“We’re like the Rockettes, but we’re a rock band. We’re a family event,” Biagi said. “You can’t walk out of there and not be happy.”