2012 Holiday Issue by Maxine Clark

Holiday 2012

FREE TM

‘Tis the Season Create new memories by attending exciting events in Atlanta this holiday season!

Give, Share and Care Find opportunities to give back in this Edition

Holiday 2012 Edition TM

Christian Events

Holiday Events

p11

Entertainment

p17

Gospel Plays

Christmas Events

Live Entertainment

Copyright © 2012 What’s the 411 Atlanta, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 925 Main Street, 300-16, Stone Mountain, GA, 30083. For advertising and general inquiries contact us at (770) 846-5867 or info@The411ATL.com. Please check the event website for the latest event information. Also note event prices may not include all applicable fees and taxes. Events are subject to change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or be held liable for incorrect information, omissions, mistakes or errors. We reserve the right to reject any material we deem inappropriate. Cover credit: Copyright © istockphoto | Sean Locke

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Christian Events

Christian Events Check out the line‐up of Christian plays in this edition, which addresses important issues like marriage, family and ethics This provocative yet inspiring stage play, is written and directed by L.A. Bonds. Mrs. Bond’s fuses Christian beliefs, tragedies and issues of the world with stage play productions through L.A. Bonds Studios. Interview with Playwright L.A. Bonds What inspired you to write this play? Family inspired me, my family, my friends’ family and families that I observe on an everyday basis. I learned that everyone is in a family, whether biological or sociable. In addition, I learned that when there is one person hurting or something monumental in a family the whole family shares the experience, good or bad. In “God Did It,” I wanted to capture those moments. And I believe that the audience will see that and relate to more than one circumstance displayed in the show.

God Did It

November 17th, 2pm and 7pm shows General Admission $20, College Park Auditorium, Atlanta www.labondsonline.com or call (678) 837‐5884 God Did It is the story of a solidly middle‐class African‐American family that reunites for Thanksgiving for the first time in several years. As with any family there are topics you are allowed to discuss and those you are not. However, at this family gathering everything comes out into the open; secrets are revealed, love is questioned and lies are told. Absolutely anything is bound to happen and who’s to say if God will change each situation or leave them the way they are. Holiday Issue 2012

Why the title for this play? *laughs* The title of this play sprung up on its own. I was listening to "Nobody but God" by Dorinda Clark‐Cole. What made this song so remarkable was that the verses and the ad libs were EXACT to some of the characters in “God Did It.” It felt like she was singing my script. Also, the ending of the song made me so emotional. I remember sobbing tremendously over the words “God Did It.” It was in that moment that I knew, that I had finally found my title for the play. How do families move pass hurt to forgiveness? It takes work, time and understanding. No matter the wound, scab or stab, it takes time to heal. You can't rush something so precious. Another thing most people don't realize is that unforgiveness is a form of hate. Numerous studies have proven that most illness are a result of unforgiveness. In my twenty eight years of life I have learned that it is a privilege to forgive because it releases you from all the guilt, hurt, shame and mental bondage that you suffer.

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Christian Events Now in its second year, “Dance Upon Injustice” 2012 theme is “Uncovering the Roots of Human Trafficking.” Exposing the root causes of human trafficking can create waves of change that prevent future individuals from ever being victimized by human trafficking. “Dance Upon Injustice” central event is the performance, which is a powerful storytelling tool that uses the arts (dance, multimedia, music, etc.) to increase awareness about the issue of human trafficking. The performance is a collaborative effort that unites the local dance community in a creative movement to put an end to human trafficking. It also includes the power of spoken word. Before the performance, the lobby reception will provide networking opportunities to help attendees better understand what human trafficking is and how they can make a difference in standing up against it. There will be local anti‐human trafficking groups present and ready to talk about what they are doing in our area to make a difference.

Dance Upon Injustice 2012 Uncovering the Roots of Human Trafficking November 16, 2012, General Admission $15, Students $10 Lobby reception starts at 5:30pm, Performance from 7pm‐9pm University of Georgia Fine Arts Theatre, Athens http://danceuponinjusticeathens2012.wordpress.com Dance Upon Injustice is a Christ based initiative that works to eradicate human trafficking through the creative and educational use of the arts. They take a creative approach to educating men and women on the issue of human trafficking that both informs attendees about the reality of human trafficking and provides tangible ways to give and personally get involved with the anti‐human trafficking movement. Holiday Issue 2012

Proceeds raised from “Dance Upon Injustice” 2012 will support two organizations: Rahab’s Rope and Not for Sale. Rahab’s Rope is a faith based non‐profit that is committed to fighting human trafficking in India. Not for Sale fights human trafficking and modern‐day slavery around the world. Not For Sale creates tools that engage business, government and grassroots in order to incubate and grow social enterprises to benefit enslaved and vulnerable communities. All donations are tax deductible. Funds are being managed through the 501c3 certified, UGA Wesley Foundation. Please support “Dance Upon Injustice” and their efforts to end human trafficking. 4

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Christian Events Broken tells the story of the storms and trials that follow the loss of a loved one. The Aiken sisters, Keisha, Mya, Patience, and Faith weather the storm which was the death of their dearly beloved mother, endearingly known as Miss Peaches. Cancer stole Miss Peaches away in just six short months. The sisters are mad, sad, hurt, damaged, and Broken. We quickly see that it’s not just the sisters who are struggling to cope with their mom’s death, but the aunts, grandson, and the men who love them. “Broken” is the story of forgiveness, faith, and facades. If you saw this play in June, you haven't seen anything yet. While the core storyline is the same, there have been changes and there are plenty of special appearances.

Broken – The Play November 10th, 2:30pm and 7:30 pm shows 14th Street Playhouse, Atlanta General admission $25 www.gipseeprod.com

To advertise or list an event, contact us at (770) 846‐5867 or info@The411ATL.com Rick Watson presents, My Marriage Needs Prayer starring R&B legend Tony Terry. This is a spiritually based, romance and drama stage play that expresses the many bad decisions that are made in many marriages today. Jerome and Jasmine have been married for six years. Jasmine puts her career on hold to support her husband who is now a Wall Street mogul. As Jerome’s power grows, so does his extravagant lifestyle and web of deceit. This play takes you on a very fast ride of betrayal and unforgivable moments that will have you in awe. So buckle your seatbelts and enjoy the ride.

My Marriage Needs Prayer December 8th, 4pm and 8pm shows 14th Street Playhouse, Atlanta General admission $35 www.rickwatsonproductions.com Holiday Issue 2012

Holiday Issue 2012

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Christian Events

Upcoming Christian Plays Nov 10‐ Nov 11

Nov 17

Nov 18

Dec 1‐ Dec 23

Holiday Issue 2012

Choices 14th Street Playhouse, Atlanta| $30‐$35| 10th at 4pm and 8pm, 11th at 4pm www.catchingdreamz.com CHOICES delve deep into the journey of two married couples as they travel through the minefield of infidelity, with all the secrets, thrills, heartbreak and betrayals it brings. CHOICES examines life circumstances, the choices we make, and their impacts on our lives.

Hell is Not a Game Show 14th Street Playhouse, Atlanta|$22.50| Shows 4pm and 8pm www.14thstplayhouse.org Follow along with the eccentric game show host and contestants as they peek into the lives of the members of the Send It On Down Lord Missionary House of Prayer and determine if the members are headed to heaven or hell based on the results of the decisions they make in their daily lives. You will laugh, cry and ask yourself, is life really a game?

Deception 14th Street Playhouse, Atlanta Tickets $25| Show 6pm www.14thstplayhouse.org “Deception” tells the story of a middle class family who is forced to deal with the shocking reality of coming face to face with HIV/AIDS. Although the play addresses how “lies”, “promiscuous behavior” and “deception” can be deadly, it gives the audience a sense of hope and restores faithfulness.

Sunday The Beam Theater, Atlanta| $15 Saturdays 3pm, Sundays 6pm www.ljegroup.com Join Learical Jonez and LJEG for the return of the hilarious hit stage play "Sunday" as they show you just how "HOLY" church folk are.

Paulette Smith Independent Beauty Consultant

Holiday Issue 2012

Order Online or Call Today: www.marykay.com/pasmither (954) 649‐2917

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Christmas Events

The Christmas Holiday Everyday people responses to… How do you keep Christ in Christmas during the holidays?

“I keep the Christ in Christmas by emptying myself out to others and striving to be a true reflection of Jesus Christ. I keep the Christ in Christmas by giving of myself and my substance to make the life of another individual a little bit brighter, not with my own light, but with the light of Jesus Christ that is shining through me. I constantly strive to be Jesus's hands extended in the earth.” Faizah, Producer

“You can't help but to keep Christ in Christmas during the holidays because Christ is everywhere. He is even at the beginning of the word Christmas. LOL...” Kevin, Manager

“I plan to keep Christ in Christmas by participating in Church service, spending time with family and giving thanks and rejoicing in the day the LORD has made and the Son he gave so that we may have life and have it more abundantly.” Vera, Real Estate Agent

“I plan to keep Christ in Christmas by keeping commercialism out of Christmas by not getting involved in gift giving, but focusing on the fact that the wise men gifts to Jesus represents an acknowledgment of their worship to Him as the Messiah.” Donnie, Truck Driver

Want to be featured in the next issue? Stay Tuned at Facebook.com/The411ATL Holiday Issue 2012

If you are reading this chances are your customers are too! Research shows that consumers pay more attention to ads in magazines compared to TV, Radio or Internet Source: JackMyers Emotional Connections Survey

Holiday Issue 2012

To Place An Ad Call (770) 846-5867 Follow us on Facebook.com/The411ATL

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Christmas Events

A Soulful Christmas November 27th – December 2nd The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, Decatur Individual tickets start at $25 www.asoulfulchristmas.com or call (404) 687‐2775 Stepp Stewart, Broadway producer, and Dr. Oz Show Dance Fitness Star presents: A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS The Musical. This production has it all. Show stopping numbers and holiday classics fill the air as we usher in the Holiday Season. This is a Christmas spectacular for the whole family. See the Chocolettes Live, as the story takes you back in time to visit your Christmas favorites like: "Santa Clause Is Coming To Town“, "Go Tell It On The Mountain“, "Silent Night", and more; All performed in the soul style we remember from our childhood. Be sure to check out the Youtube commercial, join the Facebook page, and visit www.asoulfulchristmas.com for exciting clips and information on the show. Holiday Issue 2012

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Christmas Events

Urban Nutcracker

The first Nutcracker of the season… November 15th – 18th Ferst Center for the Arts, Atlanta Tickets: General Public $39 www.ballethnic.org or call (404) 762‐1416

Photo Credit: Srik Photography

URBAN NUTCRACKER is Ballethnic Dance Company’s contemporary African‐American adaptation of the traditional Nutcracker with an urban twist. Urban Nutcracker is to the Nutcracker as The Wiz is to the Wizard of Oz. This entertaining performance takes place on Atlanta’s own Sweet Auburn Avenue in the 1940’s, and opens the weekend before Thanksgiving. Enjoy the soulful celebration, the majestic journey, the whimsical and mysterious characters such as Reggae Ragdolls, the sultry Arabian dance, the spins and leaps of the Black Russian, Mother Spice and her tumbling Spice Drops, the bubbly Coca Cola Pas de Six and the elegant Brown Sugar and her Chocalatier. Professional dancers and urban minority youth, dancing to the traditional Tchaikovsky score along with newly adapted music. This full‐length ballet has become a tradition, kicking off Atlanta’s holiday season.

Holiday specials starting at $15 Call Today : (404) 348‐3909 Holiday Issue 2012

Custom Designs Made to Order By Color or Theme

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Christmas Events

It’s a Wonderful Life December 1st – December 16th Greater Traveler’s Rest Baptist Church, Decatur Tickets $16 in advance, $20 at the door www.trp‐atl.org or call (678) 250‐4800 The Renaissance Project presents a Christmas fixture, It’s a Wonderful Life, Frank Capra’s classic movie starring Jimmy Stewart. The story follows George Bailey, an Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. When George finds himself between a seemingly insurmountable rock and hard place one terrible Christmas Eve, his guardian angel, Clarence, descends to save him from despair. By showing George what the world would have been like had he never been born, Clarence reminds George that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. Director Elisha Hudgins’ version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” adds contemporary layers of meaning to this universal and, considering our current financial and social climate, timely parable of redemption. The Renaissance Project (TRP) is a labor of love for Michael H. Cole, a ubiquitous actor (42, Revolution, Being Mary Jane, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, A.C.O.D, etc.) well‐known and beloved in Atlanta’s film community. This is Mr. Cole’s twelfth year as artistic director for TRP, a multi‐cultural theater company in Decatur. Holiday Issue 2012

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Christmas Events

Holiday Festivities Atlantic Station Tree Lighting Nov 17

Central Park, Atlanta | Noon‐9pm | FREE www.atlanticstation.com or call (404) 733‐1221 One of the most anticipated events of the season is the Christmas tree lighting in Central Park! Atlantic Station is having the ultimate all‐day celebration with live music, arts, crafts, delicious winter treats, fireworks and activities the whole family can enjoy!

Nov 19‐ Centennial Olympic Park Holiday in Lights and Ice Skating Jan 27 Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta | Check website for times| Skating $10 www.centennialpark.com or call (404) 223‐4412 Holiday in Lights is an annual Atlanta tradition. The Park transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights that make up the sparkling display. Available November 19 through the first week of January from 7 am to 11 pm, free admission. Embrace winter and enjoy the holidays in the heart of Atlanta as you glide around Atlanta’s only open air ice skating ring. Available November 19, 2012 to January 27,2013, check website for times.

The Story Tour: A Musical Journey Nov 25

Arena at Gwinnett Center, Duluth| 6pm | General Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door www.thestorycd.com/tour or call (800) 745‐3000 World Vision presents THE STORY Tour featuring many of your favorite Christmas carols as well as THE STORY, a musical journey from Genesis to Revelation. Featuring a full choir and orchestra with Casting Crowns’ Mark Hall, Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant, Matthew West, Nichole Nordeman, Selah, Rawsrvnt and renowned author and pastor, Randy Frazee.

Dec 14‐ Dec 15

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Gospel Christmas

Dec 7 – Dec 18

Holiday Issue 2012

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta | 14th at 8pm, 15th at 2pm | Tickets $18‐$45 www.atlantasymphony.org or call (404) 733‐4900 The powerhouse ASO Gospel Choir lifts your spirit and rocks your soul in an inspiring program of modern and traditional selections. Gospel specialist Chelsea Tipton II conducts this longstanding Orchestra tradition.

Christmas at Callanwolde Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta | Check website for times| Adults $20, Seniors $15 www.callanwolde.org or call (404) 872‐5338 Christmas at Callanwolde is a spectacular 12‐day Atlanta tradition. Tour the magnificent Gothic‐Tudor mansion, elaborately decorated for the season by Atlanta’s top interior and floral designers. Period furniture, designer treasures, fine art and dazzling Christmas trees, reflect an English Classic Christmas reminiscent of when the Candler family, heirs to the Coca‐Cola Company, lived there. Welcome the joyous season with special family activities, entertaining cabaret nights, holiday music played on the Aeolian pipe organ and seasonal shopping featuring the Callanwolde artists’ market Charming ARTifacts. Follow us on Facebook.com/The411ATL

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Volunteer Opportunities

Give, Share And Care

It is always a good time to give, but it is especially needed during the holidays. Whether you are giving or receiving, we hope the below list of opportunities is a blessing to you.

Association of Christian Ministries of Clayton County – “Breadbasket Thanksgiving” For any person who is hungry, homeless or in need, come eat and fellowship Thanksgiving Day at Charles Drew High School, 6237 Garden Walk Boulevard, Riverdale, GA. The Association of Christian Ministers of Clayton County will be providing dinner and clothes and giving away food baskets until supplies last. If you are interested in donating food or clothes, the drop off location is at Trinity Community Church, 10879 Tara Blvd, Hampton, GA 30228. For volunteer opportunities contact Pastor Pugh at (770) 478‐1563.

Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church 4th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner Berean Church will be serving a Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday, November 18 at 401 Hamilton E. Holmes Dr. N.W. Atlanta GA. There are several volunteer opportunities to learn more visit: www.atlantaberean.com or call (404) 799‐7288.

Campus Church of Christ Thanksgiving Dinner and Project Kids Eat Campus Church is holding its annual free Thanksgiving meal serving the Norcross community. Everyone is welcome. Dinner will be served from 11:30am‐1:30pm on Thanksgiving Day at 1525 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd, Norcross. Additionally on Christmas Eve, gift bags will be delivered to children residing in area extended stay hotels. To donate or volunteer visit: www.campuschurch.org or call (770) 923‐0449.

Center for Family Resources – “Thanks For Giving” “Thanks for Giving” food drive captures the true spirit of Thanksgiving. With harvesting hands and a helping heart, more than 400 volunteers come together to sort, pack and provide over 70,000 food items to 1,400 Cobb County Families. The Center for Family Resources is looking for volunteer groups and/or individual volunteers. Contact Chris Chamblee at (770) 428‐2601 ext. 264 or visit: www.thecfr.org/thanks‐for‐giving for more information.

Hosea Feed the Hungry – Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Events Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day are two of Hosea Feed the Hungry signature holiday events every year. These events are completely free of charge and include cooked meals, barbers and hair stylists, medical screenings and care, clothing, legal aid, live music performances, prayer and counseling, hot showers and so much more. At these events they also duplicate these same services for hundreds of children that also are provided with their own space, entertainment and toys for the holiday season. To donate and/or volunteer visit: www.hoseafeedthehungry.com or call (404) 755‐3353.

Jars of Clay Thanksgiving and Christmas in the City Events Jars of Clay offers the most amazing and encouraging Thanksgiving experience to both the homeless and volunteers! They will pass out 100 turkey baskets to the needy. Then after all that fun they will serve dinner on Thanksgiving Day! Additionally join them as they celebrate Christ in Christmas while serving more than 4,000 gifts to the homeless! Imagine a 10,000 square foot sanctuary being turned into a giant super store with thousands and thousands of toys. Volunteers get to pair up with a homeless child and shop together. So much fun! Please help donate and/or volunteer. For more information visit www.jocatlanta.org or call (404) 586‐9793.

Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta – Thanksgiving Fund Drive and Angel Tree The Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving Fund Drive provides hearty, nourishing meals and support to homeless, hungry, and impoverished people in our community. Additionally their Angel Tree program gives individuals an opportunity to adopt less fortunate children and seniors and provide them with personalized gifts and necessities to those who would otherwise receive very little or nothing during the holiday season. The Salvation Army is hoping to serve 12,500 “angels” this season. To donate and /or volunteer visit: www.salvationarmyatlanta.org or call (404) 486‐ 2900. Holiday Issue 2012

What’s the 411? Atlanta: The Answer to What To Do…

Join our Facebook community to be a part of our upcoming contest

Facebook.com/the411ATL.com If you SEE an event that was listed on What’s the 411? Atlanta then TELL us about it and be eligible to win a HP 6700 Premium Printer (suggested retail $169.99). Visit us on Facebook to learn more. Holiday Issue 2012

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Entertainment

Entertainment See a concert, attend a show and in some cases take a stroll down memory lane with this issue’s entertainment events Director, Jasmine Guy Jasmine Guy is best known for her starring role as Whitley Gilbert in the television sitcom “A Different World.” Ms. Guy is also a talented director who has worked with True Colors Theatre on other stage projects such as “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” and “The Colored Museum.” Danny Johnson (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr) previous works includes Alliance Theater's World Premier production of, “What I Learned in Paris”. Broadway: “Song of Jacob Zulu”(Fumani). Off Broadway: “Our Lady of 121st Street” (Rooftop), “Soldier's Play” (CJ). Demetria McKinney (Camae) is an award winning actress and singer from Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She is best known for her role as Janine Payne on the hit TBS sitcom “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”. Ms. McKinney is also an R&B singer working on her debut CD with notable producers such as Musiq Soulchild.

The Mountain Top Southwest Arts Center, Atlanta November 13th ‐ December 16th General Admission $35 www.truecolorstheatre.org/mountaintop The Mountain Top stage play presents the gripping re‐imagining of events the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. After delivering one of his most memorable Holiday Issue 2012

speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people. About True Colors Theatre: True Colors Theatre core purpose is to celebrate life by exploring and understanding our differences and our commonalities. True Colors puts Negro‐American classics at its core and branches out from there.

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Entertainment

Come along on a journey with Michael Love in “Love's Last Episode," an original inspirational stage play written, produced and directed by F.I.V.O. Entertainment & Productions founder, Faizah Imani. Watch the ups and downs of a man struggling to find love, while overcoming a deep dark secret from his past. You will laugh. You will cry. You may even possibly leave changed. Love's Last Episode is urban theatre at it's finest, dealing with male issues that aren't usually addressed in today's society. The production not only speaks to men. It also speaks to the women who love them. Whether you are single, married or in‐between, this is one show you do not want to miss!

Love’s Last Episode November 30th at 7:30pm and December 1st at 2pm and 7:30pm 7 Stages Theater, Atlanta $20 in advance, $25 at the door www.fivoentertainment.com Take a journey back in time with us to simpler times, when a new sound was created by Motown in the 1960s. Join us for an authentic journey through the era of Motown. Remember The Temptations, The Supremes, The Marvelettes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson? Those are just some of the music that is showcased live on stage by an all‐star cast of musicians and vocalists all being led by former Motown recording artist, and former lead singer of The Temptations from 1975‐83, Mr. Glenn Leonard. He sang on 10 albums and is most noted for songs like “I’m on Fire”, “Go for It”, “The Best of Both Worlds”, “Eyes”, “Ever Ready Love”, and the Christmas classic, “Silent Night”, from the Temptations esteemed Christmas album. Sit back, enjoy the show and relive all those memories!

Hitsville Live! November 19th doors open at 7:30pm, show at 8pm New Dawn Theater, Duluth Tickets $30 www.newdawntheatercompany.com

Holiday Issue 2012

What’s the 411? Atlanta: Entertainment

Upcoming Entertainment Nov 10

Nov 10

Nov 17

Dec 8

Dec 29

Holiday Issue 2012

Natural Girls Rock, 2nd Annual Holiday Party 595 North Event Venue & Lounge, Atlanta | 1pm‐7pm | $15 in advance, $25 at the door http://ngrholidayparty2.eventbrite.com Natural Girls Rock “2nd Annual Holiday Party and Extravaganza” sponsored by Koils by Nature is a rockin‘ social affair, a mixer, a shopping arena, a "who is THAT on the other side of the room" all out SHINGDIG! There will be top notch vendors, live entertainment, food/beverage for purchase and swag bags to the first 100 people through the door!

48 Hour Music Video Project Central Park at Atlantic Station| 4pm‐7:30pm | FREE www.atlanticstation.com/event The 48 Hour Music Video Project comes to Atlanta the weekend of November 2 ‐ 4, 2012 and culminates at Atlantic Station on November 10. Bands (or songwriters) and filmmakers from all over the Atlanta area will be teamed up to create a music video in only 48 hours. The videos will premiere on Saturday, November 10 on the lawn of Atlantic Station's Central Park‐‐and select bands will be invited to perform a short set at the afternoon show.

Radio One Family Saints & Sinners Comedy Tour Center Stage, Atlanta | Door opens at 7pm, show at 8pm | Tickets $25 www.myfamilycomedy.com It’s good, clean, family comedy, presented by Radio One. Marcus D. Wiley will host this event that will also include fellow comedians Joe Clair, “GRIFF” the Secular Saint, Horace Sanders and Sean Sarvis.

Spyro Gyra in Concert Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech, Atlanta | 8pm | Tickets start at $40 www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu Enjoy the holiday season with the jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra, whose signature sound merges jazz with R&B, pop and Latin. Garnering success through 25 albums and multiple Grammy nominations, their high energy live concerts have kept this band popular for three decades.

New Year’s Celebration Featuring Charlie Wilson, Kem and Fantasia Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta | 7:30pm | Tickets $90‐$150 www.atlantaciviccenter.com End the year with a soulful concert featuring a great lineup of R&B’s finest.