Kansas City events Dec. 26-Jan. 1: New Year’s Eve parties, Chris Tucker, Chiefs

Joe Machi made quite an impression during the eighth season of “Last Comic Standing” in 2014 when he finished fourth. The native of State College, Pennsylvania, and graduate of Penn State University has gone on to perform at comedy clubs around the nation and on television, including as a regular on “The Greg Gutfeld Show” on Fox News. 816-326-8776. Tickets are $10-$30 through thecomedyclubkc.com.

His website describes him as a “corporate comedian and motivational speaker,” but Tim Bateman also is a family-friendly touring stand-up comic. The transplanted native of Australia has been a featured comedian at “Clean Comedy USA” and “Golden Years Comedy,” and he has entertained the troops in Kuwait and Iraq. Rosana Square Shopping Center. 913-749-2200. Tickets are $20-$30 through clintscomedystop.com.

Since establishing himself in Hollywood with starring roles in the “Rush Hour” film series alongside Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker has focused more on his Chris Tucker Foundation than on his movie career (although he did have a significant part in 2012’s “Silver Linings Playbook”). Now he is taking his stand-up act on a tour that will see him perform at venues across the nation in the first six months of 2020. 816-753-8665. Tickets are $49.50-$177 through uptowntheater.com.

If you’ve watched any of Ken Burns’ “Country Music” documentary on PBS, you are familiar with the role the Grand Ole Opry has played in the history of American music. This musical revue starring Christina Brewer, Bill Turner, Dalene White, Perry White and Brad Zimmerman will celebrate the historic Nashville theater with country, bluegrass, gospel and comedy. Also, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30; 2, 5:30 and 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. 913-764-2121. chestnutfinearts.com. $27-$32 by telephone or at box office.

When the NFL announced the 2019 schedule after both the Chiefs and Chargers had finished 12-4 in 2018, it appeared this season finale might play an integral part in deciding which team won the AFC West. Now, not so much. The Chiefs clinched the West in early December, although they still are motivated by the potential of a better seed in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Chargers have skidded to one of their worst seasons in recent memory. 816-920-9300. Tickets are $50-$295 through chiefs.com.

One of the fan favorites on Season 14 of “America’s Got Talent” this past summer, third-place finisher Ryan Niemiller captivated audiences with his self-deprecating humor. Calling himself the “Cripple Threat of Comedy,” Niemiller turns a disability in both arms into a source of jokes as he covers topics ranging from dating to trying to find acceptance in a world that isn’t designed for him. 816-759-5233. Tickets are $20-$50 through improvkc.com.

Worlds of Fun will offer a new way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with an event providing options for celebrants of all ages. Fireworks at midnight will cap an evening filled with music, including 2Proud2Beg at the Tivoli Music Hall and Tinker’s Little Elf New Year’s Sing-A-Long in the Moulin Rouge Theater. The Tannenbaum’s Retro New Year’s Eve Party at the Tinsel Town Plaza and Snoopy’s Rockin’ NYE Countdown at the International Plaza will both begin at 9 p.m. 816-454-4545. Tickets are $23-$29.99 through worldsoffun.com/play/events/new-years-eve-celebration.

Looking for a low-key way to ring in the new year? Quality Hill Playhouse will present a one-night-only show of jazz standards, 1960s hits, power ballads and more. Host J. Kent Barnhart will be joined by vocalists Christina Burton, Molliann McCulley and LeShea Wright plus Ken Remmert on drums and Brian Padavic on bass. 816-421-1700. Tickets are $45-$48 through qualityhillplayhouse.com.

Imagine attending a Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium and being allowed to join Patrick Mahomes and the other players on the field after the contest. Well, not only will you be able to mingle on the Silverstein ice with the Mavericks after they play the Wichita Thunder, but you will have the chance to skate with them as part of the team’s post-game New Year’s Eve celebration. 816-442-6100. Tickets are $12-$48 through kcmavericks.com.

Dave Stephens and the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra 7 will provide the big band swing music as well as retro dance originals at the annual NYE celebration at historic Union Station. New Year’s Swingin’ Eve tickets will be good for admission, live music, party favors, drinks, hot appetizers and a midnight champagne toast. 816-460-2000. Tickets are $120-$205 through unionstation.org/events/new-years-swingin-eve.

The National Black United Front and the American Jazz Museum will present Kwanzaa Ball 2019, a New Year’s Eve family celebration featuring the Esoke Cultural Arts Center’s West African Drum and Dance Ensemble and dance music by DJ Samihah Soul. Also available will be heavy hors d’oeurves and a cash bar. 816-474-8463. Tickets are $25 ($10 for children) though americanjazzmuseum.org.

David Krakauer, one of the world’s leading clarinetists, will join the 55-person Kinnor Philharmonic for its New Year’s Concert. This program will feature a wide range of Klezmer tunes – derived from eastern European music in the Jewish tradition – including Krakauer’s own arrangements. A dessert and champagne reception will follow the concert. Jewish Community Center. 913-327-8054. Tickets are $13-$33 through thewhitetheatre.org.

The Wires, Dec. 28, Powell Gardens. powellgardens.org

“Goliath,” Dec. 27-Jan. 4, Capsule. brownpapertickets.com/event/4337878

Ali Siddiq, Dec. 27-29, Kansas City Improv. improvkc.com

Kellen Erskine, Dec. 31, Kansas City Improv. improvkc.com

Samantha Fish with Jonathon Boogie Long, Dec 28, Knuckleheads. knuckleheadskc.com

Making Movies, Dec. 31, The Truman. thetrumankc.com

The Zeros, The Instamatics and Stone Cutters Union, Dec. 31, Knuckleheads. knuckleheadskc.com

Black Party XVI, Dec. 31, Studio Dan Meiners. blackpartykc.com

NYE 2020 at The Temple X, Dec. 31, Scottish Rite Temple. nyekc.com

NYE Live! Dec. 31, KC Live! nye-live.com/kansas-city

Truce Tournament, Dec. 26, National WWI Museum and Memorial. theworldwar.org

Hangover Half Marathon and 5K, Jan. 1, Village of Seville. kchangoverhalf.com

New Year’s Eve dinner. 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. $185; wine pairing $95. Bluestem, 900 Westport. bluestemkc.com, 816-561-1101

Holiday buffet. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 25. $28.99. The Buffet Ameristar Casino, 3200 N. Ameristar. ameristarkansascity.com, 816-414-7000

Christmas Buffet. Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 25. $10.99-$20.99. Camp Critter Bar & Grille, Great Wolf Lodge, 10401 Cabela, Kansas City, Kan. greatwolf.com/kansas-city, 913-299-7001

New Year’s Eve Dinner. 5-11 p.m. Dec. 31. $110; wine pairing $45. Farina, 19 W. 19th. farinakc.com, 816-768-6600

New Year’s Eve Feast. Dec. 31. $75. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, 4814 Roanoke Parkway. jaxfishhouse.com/kansas-city, 816-437-7940

Burgundy Dinner. 6 p.m. Dec. 28. $325. New Year’s Eve dinner. 5 and 6 p.m. Dec. 31. $115. The Restaurant at 1900, 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Mission Woods. therestaurantat1900.com, 913-730-1900

New Year’s Eve Celebration Dinner. 5-10 p.m. Dec. 31. $125, wine pairings $65. Story, 3931 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village. storykc.com, 913-236-9955

Christmas dinner with prime rib or filet mignon and lobster tail entree. $48-$65. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 25. Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 4501 W. 119th, Leawood. sullivanssteakhouse.com/leawood, 913-345-0800

This story was originally published December 24, 2019 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Kansas City events Dec. 26-Jan. 1: New Year’s Eve parties, Chris Tucker, Chiefs."