During the holiday season, when Americans often stay home to spend time with their families, Las Vegas typically opens its showrooms to international pop stars with massive followings outside the U.S., as an alternative for international tourists taking advantage of favorable travel conditions. Iranian pop sensation Ebi has made many Christmastime Vegas stops over the years, and this year he’s playing his most high-profile Vegas venue yet, with a Christmas Eve show at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Once dubbed “an Iranian version of the British singer Tom Jones” by the BBC, Ebi has spent the last 30-plus years entertaining Iranians around the world, since leaving his native country before the 1979 revolution.
Although his music (sung in his native Farsi) is smooth and accessible, Ebi has also been an outspoken political activist, recording songs like his 2009 single “Tasmim,” criticizing Iran’s presidential election. In concert, though, he’s all about spectacle, and his Vegas show will mark the conclusion of the tour supporting his 2014 album Jane Javani, with concerts lasting nearly three hours, combining new songs and hits from his long career. That’s pretty remarkable in any language or culture.
Caesars Palace, 9 p.m. Dec. 24, $75-$250 plus tax and fee. 866.320.9763
