This Week in Kansas City, Dec. 8-14: Michael Winslow, Scotty McCreery, Maxwell & Mary J. Blige

As if simply playing the Raiders isn’t enough, the Chiefs also will be motivated by the game’s importance in the tight AFC West race and by another appearance on national television. This will be the Chiefs’ third of four nationally televised night games during the 2016 season. They were blown out 43-14 at Pittsburgh on Oct. 2 and won their epic showdown at Denver 30-27 in overtime on Nov. 27. 816-920-9300. chiefs.com. $55-$315

If something makes a sound, chances are Michael Winslow can reproduce it. Winslow, who played Larvelle Jones in seven “Police Academy” movies and a short-lived TV series, is known as “The Man of 10,000 Sound Effects.” He will bring them all to Kansas City for five shows. 913-400-7500. stanfordscomedyclub.com. $10-$35.

Those familiar with the work of David Sedaris on National Public Radio might have heard him read his popular essay “Santaland Diaries” about his time spent as a Macy’s elf. This play, which the Kansas City Repertory Theatre presents for the final season, is based on that essay and sheds a humorous light on the darker side of the holidays. Runs through Dec. 24. 816-235-2700. kcrep.org. $22-$55.

It has been nearly six years since Scotty McCreery introduced his deep, North Carolina-bred voice to the world during the 10th season of “American Idol,” which he went on to win. Now, at the ripe old age of 23, he’s an established country music star with three consecutive albums that debuted No. 1 on the Billboard country charts. Earlier this year, he also released his first book, “Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream.” 913-451-0444. oneblocksouthkc.com. $35-$75.

Christian pop music will take center stage with a concert featuring the brother duo known as For King & Country and solo artist Lauren Daigle. This is the first national Christmas tour for Joel and Luke Smallbone, who were born in Australia but moved with their family to Nashville when they were kids. They will debut their original Christmas song, “Glorious.” 816-442-6100. silversteineyecentersarena.com. $15-$105.

Known for his solo piano compositions, Jim Brickman also has performed vocal collaborations with Lady Antebellum, Johnny Mathis, Martina McBride and other artists, so he should be right at home with the Kansas City Symphony. He will perform new songs as well as hits such as “Valentine” and “Sending You a Little Christmas” and holiday favorites. Helzberg Hall. 816-471-0400. kcsymphony.org. $40-$95.

Piano-playing singer-songwriter Julia Othmer took to Kickstarter to help fund her new album, “Sound,” and the Kansas City native now based in Los Angeles will celebrate the album’s release with this concert. She will present the entire album in tandem with Quixotic, the local dance/performance art group, and also will perform selections from her previous album, “Oasis Motel.” 816-474-4444. follytheater.org. $18-$100.

Holiday music and nothing else will be the focus of this show. The first act will be dedicated to tunes from musical theater, and the second act will feature special arrangements of holiday classics. Among the performers will be Molly Hammer, George Harter, Anthony Gasbarre, Tina Maddigan and Pancho Villegas. Runs through Dec. 23. 816-221-6987. mthkc.com. $17-$58; age 5-17 free with paying adult.

Having sold more than 40 million albums and with 19 gold records, Mannheim Steamroller is one of the most popular music acts of all time. The group, which blends classical music with new age and rock, owes most of its success to the Christmas season. Some 28 million of its album sales have been of the Christmas genre, and this is the band’s 32nd annual Christmas tour. 816-283-9921. midlandkc.com. $35-$97.50.

The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City will back the Owen/Cox Dance Group for a modern jazz adaptation of “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the 1816 story from which Tchaikovsky adapted “The Nutcracker.” This version will include original music as well as radical arrangements of some of Tchaikovsky’s music. 913-469-4445. owencoxdance.org. $12-$25.

The Cougars of the Pacific-12 Conference will provide the competition for the Wildcats men’s basketball team’s trek east. Kansas State started the season 5-0 before suffering a 69-68 loss to Maryland. Washington State stumbled out of the gate, with two early losses in the Virgin Islands (103-77 to Creighton and 88-79 to Loyola Chicago) as well as a home loss to San Jose State. 816-949-7000. sprintcenter.com. $12-$152.

Singers Nedra Dixon and Steven Eubank, a cast of dancers and the band Stranded in the City will team up for three holiday shows in one day. All tickets are general admission, so you might want to arrive early. Union Station. jazzakcholidaytradition.com or unionstation.org. $15.

Touring together for the first time, Maxwell and Mary J. Blige will co-headline “The King and Queen of Hearts World Tour.” Maxwell released his fifth studio album, “blackSUMMERS’night,” in July. Blige has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and has won nine Grammy Awards. Ro James will open. 816-949-7000. sprintcenter.com. $37.50-$127.50.

This story was originally published December 7, 2016 at 7:00 AM with the headline "This Week in Kansas City, Dec. 8-14: Michael Winslow, Scotty McCreery, Maxwell & Mary J. Blige."