Image courtesy of public domain

For realz disco queen—and forever avatar of a sinuous brand of R&B that rattles the soul as it heats the flesh—Patti LaBelle is gigging nearby—at the Isleta Casino Showroom to be exact—on Friday, Jan. 18 at 8pm. If you are as of yet unfamiliar with the work of the former Patricia Louise Holt, then may we suggest you get right with Bob by listening to just about anything the artist offered audiences in the '80s and '90s, but besides her singular hit with Labelle, there's also Gems, from 1994, if you are interested. It might be cooler if you go check out her concert though. For only $55 and a 21+ ID you can indulge in a sound that's poptastically groovy. Plus, I'm sure her band is effing hot.

Courtesy of Musical Theater Southwest

For the next two weekends, Musical Theatre Southwest presents performances of the musical, Bring It On, a fun and moving underdog story set in the highly competitive world of high school cheerleading. While the cliched sexist cultural reflex might be to scoff at cheerleading, the sport is actually the most dangerous of all high school sports in terms of injuries suffered. Many cheerleaders are dedicated, ambitious athletes, and this musical, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton fame) and Pulitzer-winning composer Tom Kitt (Next to Normal and American Idiot), based loosely on the film of the same name, shows us the gritty reality of cheering, with respect and fun. Curtains go up Jan. 11, 12 and 18 at 7:30pm; Jan 13 and 19 at 3pm and close for the last time Jan. 20 with a showing at 4pm. Tickets are $15 for students, $18 for general admission, $25 for VIP.