Your 5 best bets for entertainment in the week ahead

Scary-good blues rock

Wrong holiday for "Frankenstein"? Not when it's the signature instrumental of Edgar Winter, the Texas blues rocker who turns 69 on Dec. 28, and who helps the Golden Nugget count down to the end of its "52 Fridays" concert series. You're also sure to hear "Free Ride," but tickets for the 8 p.m. show actually go for $36.56-$112.86; call 866-946-5336.

Miss Universe is back in order

The thing about a guilty pleasure is that it isn't one if you actually feel guilty about it. Donald Trump may have added the same midway carny fascination to the Miss Universe Pageant as he does to the GOP debates. But after Trump's mouth led to a messy breakup with the pageant, gents are free to get back to the pageant's more traditional fascination, ogling — and in person, if they happen to be in town at 4 p.m. Sunday, when Miss Universe broadcasts from The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort. Tickets are $59.95-$305.20; call 800-745-3000.

Tunes for Tots

It's one-stop shopping, for talent at least. How many places you end up buying toys is up to you. A host of local talent gathers at The Orleans at 7:30 p.m. Friday in support of the annual Toys for Tots benefit. Bandleader David Perrico provides song support for the likes of Zowie Bowie, Murray the magician and Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond tribute. Tickets are $20 at The Orleans.

Tony's Christmas glow

You have many places to go for either a retro or crass Vegas Christmas, but don't think that just because we're talking Tony Orlando, his Christmas show is necessarily either of them. Orlando has made a mini-tradition of this Branson-to-Vegas show with a living room setting and a theatrical premise recalling classic Christmas TV specials. Tickets are $45-$55 for shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday at the South Point. Call 702-797-8055.

Carpenters' Christmas

There must be a reason why Michelle Berting Brett's tribute to the Carpenters has become a repeat visitor out at the Suncoast. Is it because Karen sang Christmas songs down in our range? Possibly. Is it because this isn't a costumed "Legends" kind of thing, that's more about musical accuracy? Which means no one has to impersonate Richard? Bingo. The "Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters' Christmas" shows are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $33-$44; call 702-284-7777.

— Mike Weatherford