For a band that started out as a joke at a karaoke bar, The Dan Band has enjoyed a remarkable run. The band’s namesake, Dan Finnerty, first jokingly sang Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” while out at karaoke with friends, and that blossomed into an entire career fronting a band known for ironic cover versions of cheesy pop songs. Before releasing any albums, The Dan Band made a pop-culture impact thanks to appearances in hit movie comedies Old School, The Hangover and Starsky & Hutch, making them the unofficial party band for director Todd Phillips.
While Finnerty and his band are still known for their comedic takes on radio standards like Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Styx’s “Lady,” they’ve also branched out into original comedy music on their 2007 holiday album Ho: A Dan Band Christmas and 2015’s The Wedding Album. The Dan Band’s Vegas show this week promises plenty of Christmas material, along with the band’s trademark cover songs (other favorites include 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” and Kelis’ “Milkshake”) plus hilarious audience interaction, for an experience that’s part musical performance, part comedy show. From the first time he cracked his friends up at karaoke, Finnerty has just kept the laughs coming.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, starting at $15 plus tax and fee, 18+. 702.632.7600
