Red Hot Winter variety show returns to Champaign

24th annual Vegas-style production blends music, comedy, cirque and philanthropy to benefit Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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RED HOT WINTER, a long-running Vegas-style variety show created and produced by Champaign native Rod Sickler, returns to The City Center in Champaign on February 27 and 28, 2026. The nearly three-hour show features a rotating mix of live music, comedy, cirque-style performances, burlesque, runway modeling, and a live hair show, all designed to appeal to every kind of entertainment fan.

Why it matters

Now in its 24th year, RED HOT WINTER has become a beloved community event in Champaign, blending high-energy entertainment with philanthropy to support local organizations like Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness. The show's diverse programming and rapid-fire format aim to keep audiences engaged throughout the experience.

The details

The 2026 RED HOT WINTER production includes a 40-person live band and 17 singers performing music across nearly every genre, from rap and country to rock, Broadway, funk, disco, pop, and hip-hop. More than 100 cast and crew members take part, including 45 models, dancers, and specialty performers. The show also features four Vegas-style cirque acts, including aerialists, acrobatics, a hand-to-hand unicyclist duo, and a performer who balances on the tip of a champagne bottle.

  • RED HOT WINTER returns to The City Center in Champaign on February 27 and 28, 2026.
  • The show has been running annually for 24 years, with next year marking its 25th anniversary.

The players

Rod Sickler

A Champaign native who created and produces the RED HOT WINTER variety show. In addition to producing and directing, Sickler is also an actor who has portrayed roles like Ebenezer Scrooge and Charlie Gordon.

Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness

A community health center serving uninsured patients and families in crisis across Illinois. The 2026 RED HOT WINTER performances will benefit this organization.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't like what you see, stick around — it will change in a few minutes.”

— Rod Sickler, Producer and Director of RED HOT WINTER (Chambana Today)

“I raise money, yes, but I also raise awareness. That part matters just as much.”

— Rod Sickler, Producer and Director of RED HOT WINTER (Chambana Today)

What’s next

Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of RED HOT WINTER, and Sickler has already started planning for the milestone celebration.

The takeaway

RED HOT WINTER has become a beloved community tradition in Champaign, blending high-energy entertainment with a mission to support local organizations and raise awareness for important causes. The show's diverse programming and rapid-fire format keep audiences engaged throughout the experience.