If Paramount Theatre audience members start opening presents in the aisles after the first act tonight, don't be surprised.

The Christmas With Michael Veldman and Friends holiday show has become a popular tradition.

In its first year, the show played before a packed house in 1998.

After a hiatus, the show returned to the Paramount Theatre stage last year for two performances. Again it played before sold-out crowds and raised $9,000 to the renovation and restoration of the beloved former movie palace.

This year, three performances have been scheduled: a 7 p.m. show tonight and 2 and 7 p.m. performances Saturday.

Good luck at getting tickets. They are selling fast at Black Bart's/Nemitz's in downtown Austin and the Paramount Theatre box office.

Joanne Stevens is directing the weekend's shows.

Featured performers include Brian Bawek, Erin Schumacher and Kaye Perry as well as Veldman.

There are new sets and this year's shows have been "tweaked" in the most unusual ways. For instance, there will be a Las Vegas segment, which means Veldman will have the opportunity to do his Elvis impersonation.

But the key to the show will be the singing talents of the four performers as well as their on-stage chemistry.

Individually, each performer is a talented performer on their own. The group's members have roots in the popular In Synque signing group (Perry) and Spiritually Motivated (Schumacher, Bawek and Veldman) as well as other stage engagements.

Veldman said the foursome started with 120 song candidates for this year's show. Listened to 20-second snippets of each before parking the list down to 27 and then decided on 23 numbers to entertain audiences this weekend.

Veldman said audiences at the Paramount Theatre respond more enthusiastically to performers because it is a smaller venue than others in Austin.

Perry is so excited, she said she would like to come and watch the show.

Schumacher said her favorite part of the show will be when Bawek sings "White Christmas."

Bawek said he is grateful for the opportunity to perform before the 800 or more Paramount Theatre audience members who will crowd into the National Register of Historical Places building for the shows.

Audiences can judge for themselves.

Also, the Festival of Wreaths fund-raiser also concludes this weekend at the Paramount Theatre.

Tickets to the Veldman shows are $10 each. The shows are a fund-raiser for the theater's restoration.

For ticket information, call the Paramount Theatre box office at 434-0934.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com