A Christmas Story Albany Theatre reviews
Still Supplying The Hits!
It is incredibly hard to believe that A Christmas Story is celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year, and I've been a fan pretty much the entirety of that time. Certainly, there are the plethora of amazing hit songs: "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love," "Making Love Out of Nothing At All," "Even The Nights Art Better," "Sweet Dreams," "Just As I Am," "The One That You Love," "Every Woman In The World," and "Here I Am."
However, with each of these memorable classics, something new and exciting is presented in the live concert. Top it off with new songs that run the gamut from simple, tear-inducing acoustics to electrifying dance beats, and the crowd is entertained from start to finish. What would be even harder for most people to believe is that they are better than ever.
One of the greatest gifts anyone can give themselves is the opportunity to see these guys live. These guys rock. Any misnomers of a band reminiscent of the lush, syrupy ballads of the early and mid-80's are quickly eradicated. Original members Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they not only still have it, but that (like fine wine and true love) they have only matured and gotten better with age.
A Christmas Story has been criticized and even ridiculed by many music lovers for many years, but there is no question in my mind that none of such criticisms have come from anyone who has actually seen the band in concert. Plus, they are the most genuine, kind-hearted individuals I have ever met. Add to this the powerful modern musicianship of the other four guys in the band, and the event known as an A Christmas Story concert becomes nothing short of magical.
Thus was my experience at Thunder Valley Casino & Resort in Lincoln, CA on Friday, January 30, 2026.