Need a little fa in your la this holiday season? There is a plethora of shows leading to Christmas, whether you’re more inclined to worship with Bill Gaither or guffaw at John Waters. Some offerings to consider:
Bill Gaither. One of the titans of contemporary Christian music and Southern gospel, Gaither will be accompanied by the Gaither Vocal Band, which now boasts Mark Lowry, David Phelps, Michael English and Wes Hampton. This "Christmas Homecoming Tour" will also offer the songs of the Isaacs, the Martins, Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor, Gene McDonald, Charlotte Ritchie, Kevin Williams, Greg Ritchie and Matthew Holt.
7 p.m. Dec. 5. $28.50-$73.50. The Arena at Gwinnett Center. 1-888-929-7849, www.axs.com.
The Brian Setzer Orchestra. Mr. Stray Cat has been decking the halls with Christmas-fueled rockabilly songs for a decade and is prepping to "Dig That Crazy Santa Claus" again. Fans can expect to hear plenty of holiday hoppers from Setzer's two Christmas albums, including, we hope, "Stray Cat Strut" melded with "You're A Mean One, Mr Grinch." Australian rockabilly trio Firebird opens.
8 p.m. Dec. 7. $35-$75. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Power 96.1 Jingle Ball. Miley Cyrus. Robin Thicke. Anyone got a foam finger? Ah, we jest. Yes, the MTV VMA duo is on the powerhouse bill — the second holiday fest from the Top 40 station — but probably won't share the stage simultaneously. Then again, who knows? Joining them will be Pitbull, Flo Rida, Travie McCoy, Fifth Harmony, Armin Van Buuren and Bonnie McKee. Also, $1 from each ticket sold will benefit the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. $25-$180. Philips Arena. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
A John Waters Christmas. The cult classic filmmaker returns with his one-man holiday show that pokes fun of the season (using adult-appropriate language, of course) and, as he says, "Puts the X in Xmas." Waters also spouts off about his desire to remake his own films as seasonal children's films and his "religious fanaticism" for Santa Claus.
8 p.m. Dec. 12. $35 (general admission) and $100 (VIP). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Ed Roland and Friends. The Collective Soul frontman, who has been on tour with Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project to support their debut, "Devils n' Darlins," will corral a lineup of musical friends and guests to join him at holiday shows. Those names will be announced closer to the concerts. In addition to his time with the Sweet Tea Project, Roland has been in the studio working on a Collective Soul album to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band next year. He'll also team with Drivin' N Cryin' for a New Year's Eve show.
7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 8 p.m. Dec. 16. $25 (advance), $30 (at the door) and $125 (reserved table of four). Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-725-8849, www.ticketalternative.com.
Amy Grant, Vince Gill and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Nashville power couple will present their glorious holiday show with the aid of the ASO. Between Gill's gorgeous voice and renowned guitar skills and Grant's effortless warmth and sweet song delivery, it's impossible to leave this one without wearing a smile.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 16. $52.20-$169.85. Fox Theatre. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.
Star 94 Jingle Jam. The mom-friendly station has amassed an ideal lineup for its core listeners — a little throwback heartthrob action with the Backstreet Boys, the hooky pop of the Goo Goo Dolls, the pleasant familiarity of the Fray and Colbie Caillat and the enduring pop-rock of Avril Lavigne, who is back on the charts with her new "Let Me Go," featuring husband Chad Kroeger of Nickelback.
7 p.m. Dec. 16. $30-$100. The Arena at Gwinnett Center. 1-888-929-7849, www.axs.com.
Kingsized Holiday Jubilee. Big Mike Geier and his Kingsized Rock 'n Roll orchestra, along with the Dames Aflame Dancers and Really Big Santa will commandeer the Variety Playhouse for 90 minutes of all-ages fun and glitz. Expect to hear classics from Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and the Grinch – done Big Mike style, of course. Also, feel free to bring a toy. Cadets from Parkview High School's MCROTC will be on site to collect for Toys for Tots.
8 p.m. Dec. 21. $28.50. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Blind Boys of Alabama. Named for the gospel classic and the group's 2008 Christmas album, the "Go Tell it on the Mountain" holiday show will surely include plenty of spiritual revelry. The Boys, including Atlantan Ricky McKinnie, are of varying age, but hold true to the adage professed by McKinnie in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "If you can dream the dream, do the work and keep the faith, you're gonna be all right."
7 p.m. Dec. 21. $50 (advance general admission) and $275 (reserved table of four). Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St. 1-877-725-8849, www.ticketalternative.com.
Celtic Woman. Calling this a "Home for Christmas" show is appropriate since Atlanta practically is a second home to these lovely Irish lasses (they typically play here two or three times a year). For this appearance, the ladies will perform songs from their Christmas albums and some new material with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
8 p.m. Dec. 22. Sold out. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
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