Three ‘Christmas and All of That Jazz’ concerts at Athens Arts Center this weekend

Athens Area Council for the Arts has scheduled three performances of its perennial holiday event, Christmas and All of That Jazz, an evening of local musicians singing and playing their favorite Christmas tunes cabaret-style.

Shows are planned Friday through Sunday, Dec. 9-11, in the Sue E. Trotter Theater at The Arts Center in Athens, Tenn.

“Jazzy,” as it’s known, has grown into a beloved tradition since its first incarnation in 2006, say Arts Center officials. The emphasis for each show is on fun, inspiration and holiday cheer.

This year, concertgoers will be treated to 10 veteran voices: Janet Martin, Jen Nunley, Lauren Brown Shepherd, Lindsey Kimball, Christina Sjoberg, Laurel Wood, Ellen Kimball, Josh Bragg, Matthew Crabtree and the event’s founder, Pam Thigpen.

They are joined by newcomers Bri t t a ny Duggan, Katie Heatherly, Kevin Lane, Jonathan Berry, Tyler Peaden and Tristen Rowland.

Dropping in for performances to round out the evening are Katie Torbett, Jill Vincent, Liz Schreck, Whitney Kimball Coe, Andrew Kimball, Maya Trippe, Kyle Littleton and Emmy McKenzie.

The group is accompanied by Ellen Kimball, Tristen Rowland and the Joe Littleton Holiday Band.

Sunday’s matinee also features the Athens Area Children’s Choir.

The show is directed by Art Kimball with music direction by Jennifer Nunley, Josh Bragg and Ellen Kimball.

Light hors d’oeuvres, homemade desserts and a cash bar will be available 30 minutes before each show.

PHOTO BY BURLESON BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY From left, Tristen Rowland (in back), Ellen Kimball, Lauren Shepherd, Pam Thigpen and Brittany Duggan rehearse for “Christmas and All That Jazz” to be presented in three performances this weekend at The Arts Center in Athens, Tenn.