The Band’s Still Hot
In the professional wrestling association Impact Wrestling, there is currently a tag team called oVe. The moniker stands for Ohio Versus Everything, and while this trio is formidable, there is another faction of men from Ohio who took on the world and had even more success.
It only took the four gentlemen from Ohio who comprise 98 Degrees two years to ascend to the highest level of pop music fame. That’s a long way to go in such a short period of time, especially considering the quartet didn’t all know one another when they formed.
Jeff Timmons had already moved to Los Angeles in 1996—where none of the other members lived—looking for musical renown. One by one, Nick Lachey, his younger brother Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre made their way out West, releasing their first album the next year and beginning the ascent to their Hollywood dreams.
More than 20 years later, 98 Degrees is headlining a new tour. The At Christmas 2018 Tour is a barnstormer through Canada and the United States, with dates on the West Coast, throughout the South, into their home territory of the Midwest and the Northeast.
This holiday celebration is perfect for the band that has become synonymous with Christmas pop music. Their first Christmas album, 1999’s This Christmas, featured classic Christmas songs including “Silent Night” and “The Little Drummer Boy,” along with the original Top 40 hit “This Gift.” The track is a perfect example of what separated this group from other boy bands. There was a more adult contemporary sound with complex harmonies.
Along with the seasonal revelry on this tour, fans can expect all the hits that made them fall for the quartet to begin with—“I Do,” “The Hardest Thing,” “Because of You,” and “Give Me Just One Night,” to name a few. Yes, it’s Christmas, 98 Degrees-style. –Jason Harris
Green Valley Ranch, 8 p.m. Nov. 17, starting at $27.50 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
Dining Delights
For the ultimate in both dining and star power, it’s hard to beat Hell’s Kitchen for a perfect night out. Gordon Ramsay’s fifth restaurant in Las Vegas delights from start to finish, with cocktails like Notes From Gordon—each comes with a slip of paper containing a famous Ramsay quote—along with his world-famous beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding. –Ken Miller
Caesars Palace, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. 702.731.7373
Enjoy the View
One of Las Vegas’ newest nightclubs is also one of its most exciting. Apex Social Club immediately stuns with the views it offers from its 55th-floor vantage point, but the eye candy doesn’t stop there—stunning decor, art pieces you won’t find anywhere else and plush seating all beckon you to stay awhile. And with a bountiful cocktail selection, that won’t be too hard. –KM
Palms, 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Thurs.-Sun. 702.944.5980
Relaxation Now
Get pampered on a whole different level at the 80,000-square-foot, two-tier Spa at Aria, where you’ll emerge feeling not only rejuvenated but seriously spoiled. Start with a Thai fusion massage, or maybe an essential stone massage would be more to your liking. By the time your clay aromatherapy wrap and detoxifying body ritual are complete, you won’t want to leave. –KM
Aria, 5 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. 702.590.9600
