Holiday Music in Atlanta: December 2013

Free Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Concert
Date: 11:45 a.m. December 4
Description: Join us for the sixteenth annual Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra offers a free gift of Christmas music to the Atlanta community. This one-hour lunchtime concert and sing-along is a wonderful way to get in the Christmas spirit with music performed by top-notch musicians! Please note that there is limited seating available, given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Venue: North Avenue Presbyterian Church
Cost: free
607 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta
(404) 875-0431
www.napc.org

A Choral Guild Christmas
Date: 8 p.m. December 5- December 6
Description: The Covington/Conyers Choral Guild presents 'A Choral Guild Christmas' Thursday, Dec. 5 at Covington First Baptist Church, and Friday, Dec. 6 at the Rockdale Auditorium in Conyers. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. Concerts are at 8pm, and doors open at 7:30pm.
Venue: Rockdale Auditorium
Cost: $10.00 General Seating
903 S. Main St. NE, Conyers
(770) 483-1295

Georgia State University Jazz Band II
Date: 8 p.m. December 5- April 16
Description: Gordon Vernick, director
Venue: Florence Kopleff Recital Hall
Cost: FREE and open to the general public
10 Peachtree Center Ave. NE, Atlanta
(404) 413-5901
www.music.gsu.edu

Handel's "Messiah" Performed by the Atlanta Symphony
Date: 8 p.m. December 5
Description: Few if any works of the season hold a candle to the spiritual power of Messiah. The Orchestra's acclaimed interpretation is a profoundly moving concert experience not to be missed.
Venue: Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta
(404) 733-5000
www.atlantasymphony.org/

Higher Vision Single's Christmas Dinner
Date: 7 p.m. December 6
Description: First Baptist Church Snellville, Higher Vision Singles Ministry is Hosting our third annual Christmas Dinner Party with a Special Concert by Renee Dean Walker! *Door Prizes will be given *Tickets are $15.00/Person and MUST be bought by 12/2/2013, and are available at the church or by calling 770-978-7000 *ChildCare is also available by RESERVATION ONLY for $7.00/child. Notification of any childcare needed must be made by December 1st and you can call the church at 770-978-7000.
Venue: First Baptist Church, Snellville
Cost: $15.00
2400 U.S. 78, Snellville
(770) 978-7000

Monster Magnet
Date: 7 p.m. December 6
Venue: Heaven Stage at Masquerade
695 North Ave., Atlanta

Carols for Christmas
Date: 7:30 p.m. December 6- December 8
Description: A cast of over 200 singers, instrumentalists and actors kick off a spectacular start to the Christmas season.The concert will feature much-loved Christmas movies that lead listeners on a journey through memories of Christmases past. Using clips from nostalgic Christmas classics to evoke memories we all hold dear, this light-hearted, family-friendly concert will leave the audience with the warmth and knowledge of the true meaning of Christmas
Venue: Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church
4385 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta
770-971-2730 & 770-971-2880
mtbethel.org/

Carols for Christmas, "Somewhere in My Memory"
Date: 7:30 p.m. December 6- December 8
Description: Mt. Bethel UMC Kicks Off Christmas On December 6 and 8 "Somewhere in My Memory" The concert will feature much-loved Christmas movies that lead listeners on a journey through memories of Christmases past. A cast of 200 singers, instrumentalists, and actors, under the baton of director Ira Pittman, will combine familiar carols, rousing choruses and sweeping cinematic numbers to present a magnificent start to the Christmas season..
Venue: Mt Bethel UMC
Cost: no charge
4385 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta
(770) 971-2730
www.mtbethel.org

Carolina Chocolate Drops
Date: 8:30 p.m. December 6
Venue: Variety Playhouse
1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta
(404) 524-7354

Bombadil
Date: 8:30 p.m. December 6
Venue: Variety Playhouse
Cost: $22.50 Adv/$25 Day Of Show
1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta
(404) 524-7354
www.variety-playhouse.com

"Handel's Messiah" Performed by the Atlanta Symphony
Date: 2 p.m. December 7
Description: Few if any works of the season hold a candle to the spiritual power of Messiah. The Orchestra's acclaimed interpretation is a profoundly moving concert experience not to be missed.
Venue: Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta
(404) 733-5000
www.atlantasymphony.org/

Sounds of Christmas by the Atlanta Vocal Project
Date: 2 p.m. December 7- December 7
Description: One of the Best Christmas Shows in Atlanta featuring: Atlanta Vocal Project - Top 10 Men's a cappella chorus A Mighty Wind - #3 Barbershop Quartet in the world Also featuring Boardwalk, Vox and other special guests Incredible music, fun, and laughs
Venue: Johns Creek High School Theater
Cost: $25 and $20 in advance, Students $10, Kids 6 & under are free
5575 State Bridge Rd., Johns Creek
404-919-SING (7464)

Hungry Ear Coffee House Feeds Hungry Ears and Mouths this Holiday Season
Date: 8 p.m. December 7
Description: Hungry Ear Coffee House at the NWUU Congregation in Sandy Springs offers a grand night of wonderful performers, and fabulous seasonal music featuring Bob Bakert, Out of the Rain, Ashley Harris, Louis Robinson, Angela Reign, 9-String Theory Godfrey & Guy.
Venue: Hungry Ear Coffee House
Cost: $5 plus a canned goods item for the Community Assistance Center
1025 Mount Vernon Hwy. NW, Atlanta
(770) 955-1408
nwuuc.org

Winter Wind Down - "A Night of Jazz, Wine & Art"
Date: 8 p.m. December 7
Description: One Unity 2013 Presents: Winter Wind Down "A Night of Jazz, Wine & Art" Come out and enjoy the sultry jazz sounds of Anita Canada You're invited to mingle with us in your semi-formal attire on Saturday, December 7, 2013 8:00pm - 11:00pm Atrium on Sweet Auburn 236 Auburn Avenue Atlanta, GA 30303 This spectacular night will include wine, h'ordeuvres, raffles, and door prizes. Be sure to visit our silent auction lounge for some amazing gifts! Sponsorships and Volunteer opportunities available - contact us today www.OneUnity2013.com One Unity 2013 is a collaboration between the Sinclair Joe Legacy Foundation, a 501c3 Nonprofit, and five local nonprofit businesses. These organizations have come together for the purposes of cooperation and of raising funds to support their individual charity projects.
Venue: The Atrium on Sweet Auburn
236 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta
(404) 524-7921

Johns Creek Symphony Presents Christmas Holiday Pops Concert!
Date: 8 p.m. December 7
Description: Start your holiday season off right! Attend the JCSO's Eight Annual Christmas Gala & Holiday Pops Concert Saturday, December 7, 2013. Enjoy hearing many seasonal favorites from "O Holy Night" to "Sleigh Ride" and "White Christmas" performed by our full orchestra and choir. Special guests The Joe Gransden Quartet. An amazing performance not to miss! Champagne Dessert Reception immediately follows the concert, so make your plans now to attend this not to be missed amazing night of holiday music!
Venue: St. Benedict Catholic Church
Cost: $30-$15
11045 Parsons Rd., Duluth
(678) 748-5802
www.stbenedict.net

Blair Crimmins And The Hookers - 5th Annual Merry Ya'll Tide
Date: 8:30 p.m. December 7
Venue: Variety Playhouse
Cost: $15/$17.50
1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta
(404) 524-7354
www.variety-playhouse.com

'Tis the Season: A Choral Concert for Christmas
Date: 4:06 p.m. December 8
Description: The Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society, under the direction of Dr. Curtis Everett Powell, will present its annual holiday concert on Sunday, the 8th of December at 4:00 pm. This FREE performance will feature the music of Gjeilo, Whalum, Handel, among others.
Venue: First Congregational Church of Atlanta
Cost: FREE
105 Courtland Street, Atlanta
(404) 880-8205

Christmas Cantata
Date: 7 p.m. December 12
Description: The East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,Inc. presents its 4th Annual Christmas Cantata. Come join us and hear songs of the season along with narration of the Christmas story. Bring family and friends. Open to the public. No charge.
Venue: Headland Height UM Church
Cost: Free/No Charge
2147 Dodson Drive, East Point

Joey Sommerville
Date: 6 p.m. December 13
Description: After strolling throughout the 27,000 sq. ft. mansion, find a table in the indoor courtyard to sit, sip wine and listen to world-renowned trumpeter, Joey Summerville. Refreshments will be provided and wine and beer will be available for purchase. Joey Sommerville has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists including mega-rock group Phish. He was the featured instrumental soloist on the Cirque de Soleil's Grammy-nominated and Juno Award winning album, Alegria. His latest offering entitled, "The Get Down Club" is iconic, forward thinking contemporary jazz featuring funk, gospel and bop influences delivered with pop sensibilities. It is trumpet delivered in the tradition of Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie with a new millennium twist.
Venue: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Cost: $30
980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta
(404) 872-5338
www.callanwolde.org/index.html

Spivey Hall Children'S Choir Christmas Concert
Date: 7 p.m. December 13- December 15
Description: The Spivey Hall Children's Choir at Clayton State University, which has been providing exemplary choral music education to young singers since 1994, is pleased to present its annual Christmas Concert featuring festive music by the Program's three esteemed choirs. $25 for adults. $12 for students with ID. Not recommended for children under 6. To buy tickets, call (678) 466-4200 or go to spiveyhall.org.
Venue: Spivey Hall
Cost: $25 for adults. $12 for students with ID.
2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow
(678) 466-4200
www.spiveyhall.org/

Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony ORchestra
Date: 2 p.m. December 14
Description: Capture the spirit of the holidays with the Orchestra's iconic story of Christmas, created by the legendary Robert Shaw. A majestic cast of over 400 musicians brings to life the Greatest Story Ever Told.
Venue: Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta
(404) 733-5000
www.atlantasymphony.org/

Johnson Ferry Christmas Festival
Date: 7 p.m. December 14- December 15
Description: The 250 voice choir, 50 piece orchestra and storytellers recall the ageless story of hope inviting all to celebrate the message of Christmas in the Johnson Ferry Christmas Festival, December 14 at 7 p.m. and December 15 at 4 & 7 p.m. For more information visit our website at johnsonferry.org.
Venue: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church
955 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta
(770) 973-6561
www.johnsonferry.org

A Peter White Christmas with Rick Braun and Mindi Abair
Date: 7:30 p.m. December 14
Description: The jazz guitar favorite returns to deliver his brand of holiday jazz! Peter White leads an all star lineup featuring Rick Braun and Mindi Abair performing dazzling arrangements of holiday favorites. White has kept contemporary jazz fans worldwide enthralled by his spirited melodies, soulful grooves and instantly recognizable acoustic guitar tone.
Venue: Ferst Center for the Arts
Cost: $42 - $67
349 Ferst Dr. NW, Atlanta
(404) 894-2787
www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu

P!NK: The Truth About Love Tour
Date: 8 p.m. December 14
Description: P!nk, Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter and pop culture icon, announced that she will tour North America for the first time in four years in support of her new album, The Truth About Love.
Venue: Philips Arena
One Philips Dr., Atlanta
(404) 878-3000

Kids Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony
Date: 1:30 p.m. December 15
Description: Everyone knows the holidays are best viewed through the eyes of children. This "pops-style" concert features a lively collection of every kid's favorite Christmas music. Hand-clapping singa- longs, special guest performers and a finale featuring our favorite jolly elf make this concert the perfect way for families to dive into the Christmas spirit!
Venue: Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta
(404) 733-5000
www.atlantasymphony.org/

Just Voices Christmas Concert and Carol Sing
Date: 4 p.m. December 15
Description: Just Voices, conducted by Liz Frazer,presents its 13th annual Christmas concert. The program will feature traditional carols from Appalachia, England, France, Germany, Poland and Puerto Rico, plus contemporary works by composers Craig Courtney and Bob Chilcott. Members of the audience will be invited to join in some of the carol singing. Proceeds from this concert will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Audience members are encouraged to bring gifts of cash or canned or packaged foods.
Venue: Virginia-Highland Church
Cost: Adults $10, Students $5
743 Virginia Ave., Atlanta
(404) 875-3266
www.vhbc.org

Just Voices Christmas Concert & Carol Sing
Date: 4 p.m. December 15
Description: Just Voices presents its 13th annual Christmas concert conducted by Liz Frazer. The program will feature traditional carols from Appalachia, England, France, Germany, Poland and Puerto Rico, plus contemporary works by composers Craig Courtney and Bob Chilcott. Audience members will be invited to join in some of the carol singing. Proceeds will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. audience members are encouraged to bring financial contributions or gifts of canned or packaged foods.
Venue: Virginia Highland
Cost: Adults $10, Students $5
743 Virginia Ave. NE, Atlanta
(404) 875-3266

Chorale II Holiday Concert
Date: 4 p.m. December 15
Description: Chorale II Holiday Concert CHORALE II will perform the Christmas section of Handel's "Messiah and other holiday selections on Sunday, December 15, 2014, at 4:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Tucker, 5073 LaVista Road. Dr. James T. McRaney is the conductor. There is no admission charge, but donations will be accepted. For more information, contact Dr. McRaney 770-939-1394, or visit www.choraleii.org.
Venue: Tucker First Baptist Church
Cost: Free
5073 Lavista Rd., Tucker
(770) 939-1394

Heritage Winter Classics presents The Atlanta Vocal Project
Date: 4:30 p.m. December 15
Description: Celebrate the sounds of the season with The Atlanta Vocal Project at Heritage Sandy Springs, 6110 Bluestone Road, Sandy Springs. The Atlanta Vocal Project, an a capella chorus specializing in barbershop style, will perform Christmas and holiday music. The concert is part of Heritage Winter Classics, a series celebrating classical, jazz, and vocal music, held monthly, Nov. – Feb. For more info: heritagesandysprings.org or 404-851-9111.
Venue: Heritage Sandy Springs
Cost: $5
6110 Blue Stone Rd. NE, Atlanta
(404) 851-9111
www.heritagesandysprings.org

Over The Rhine
Date: 8 p.m. December 15
Venue: Variety Playhouse
1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta
(404) 524-7354

Amy Grant and Vince Gill
Date: 7:30 p.m. December 16
Venue: Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta
(404) 881-2100

Justin Timberlake
Date: 8 p.m. December 17
Description: Justin Timberlake at Philips Arena (Please call phone number for official start time)
Venue: Philips Arena
Cost: $49 - $179
One Philips Dr., Atlanta
(404) 878-3000
www.philipsarena.com

A Very Merry Holida Pops!
Date: 8 p.m. December 19
Description: This annual anything-goes holiday variety show stars the Orchestra, a reveling drumline, gleeful youth choruses, the season's merriest songs and a jitterbugging Santa.
Venue: Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta
(404) 733-5000
www.atlantasymphony.org/

A Very Merry Holiday Pops!
Date: 8 p.m. December 20
Description: This annual anything-goes holiday variety show stars the Orchestra, a reveling drumline, gleeful youth choruses, the season's merriest songs and a jitterbugging Santa.
Venue: Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta
(404) 733-5000
www.atlantasymphony.org/

38th Annual Music of the Holidays
Date: 8 p.m. December 20- December 21
Description: Experience the timeless sound of Atlanta Young Singers as we share two captivating evenings of music at this annual Atlanta favorite. Join our Youth Chorale & Treble Concert Choir, AYS Alumni & Dads Choruses (DEC 21), and string quartet performing works of Bertaux, Biebl, Britten, Carey, Gardner, Gjeilo, Haydn, Jansons, Rachmaninoff & Shaw/Parker.
Venue: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
Cost: $15 adults / $12 students/seniors/children; group rates available
2855 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta
(404) 873-3365
www.ihmatlanta.org/

A Very Merry Holiday Pops
Date: 2 p.m. December 21- December 21
Venue: Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta
(404) 733-5000
www.atlantasymphony.org/

Johns Creek Symphony Presents Handel's Messiah: The Christmas Portion
Date: 8 p.m. December 21
Description: The JCSO presents Handel's Messiah: The Christmas Portion plus Worthy is the Lamb and the Great Amen. Johns Creek United Methodist's beautiful sanctuary will be the venue for this inaugural concert featuring the JCSO under the direction of Maestro J. Wayne Baughman,Peter Marshall, Harpsichordist and soloists Katie Baughman, Soprano, Amanda Tittle, Mezzo-Soprano, Richard Clement, Tenor, Stephen Ozcomert, Bass and the JCSO Messiah Choir. An exceptional night of music not to be missed.
Venue: Johns Creek United Methodist Church
Cost: $30-$15
11180 Medlock Bridge Rd., Duluth
(678) 748-5802
www.johnscreekumc.org

Sixpence None the Richer

Date:

8 p.m. December 28

Description:

“…a humble vulnerability on ‘Transition’ shines through” –Relevant Magazine Sixpence None the Richer, the band responsible for hit singles like “Kiss Me” and “There She Goes,” are back to share their newest album “Lost in Tansition.” While the band parted ways in 2004, they have reunited and for this album worked with producer Jim Scott (Wilco, Crowded House), who they credit with making this album truly theirs.

@RoswellCAC

Venue:

Roswell Cultural Arts Center

Cost:

$30 General Admission

950 Forrest St., Roswell

(770) 594-6232

New Years Eve with the Atlanta Symphony
Date: 8 p.m. December 31
Description: Ring in the New Year in musical style, with the music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin. The ASO and guest conductor Jack Everly, along with vocalist Judy McLane and pianist Michael Chertock, present Gershwin favorites including "I Got Rhythm" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me" as we welcome 2014!
Venue: Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta
(404) 733-5000
www.atlantasymphony.org/

Drivin' N' Cryin'
Date: 9 p.m. December 31
Venue: Variety Playhouse
1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta
(404) 524-7354

Find more Holiday Events in the AJC Atlanta Holiday Guide