Fantasia “Christmas After Midnight”

Dec. 10

I can’t help but cheer for Fantasia. The first time I saw her sing live it was at AFRAM down by Camden Yards a few years ago. She was completely unpretentious about using her crazy powerful and beautiful voice, kicking off her shoes, sweating, and trying to squeeze in as many songs into her set as she could—she even shouted out the Ravens. She’s been looking and sounding extra great too, in that way that you do when you are finally comfortable in your own skin. See her this week when she comes to town to promote her first holiday album, “Christmas After Midnight.” 7:30 p.m., Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., (410) 685-5086, modell-lyric.com, $49-$217.