The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you need a little Christmas, here are some musical choices
It feels as if every day brings a new reason or 12 for mental exhaustion and tension headaches, so it’s no surprise that holiday tours produce solid business.
After all, who among us doesn’t want to forget about life for a while — or at least for 90 minutes — and become immersed in a world of warm sentiments, fake production snow and humor?
There is a bounty of selections this year, so here are 20 holiday concerts for your fa la la consideration.
Unless otherwise noted, tickets to all concerts can be purchased at the venue box offices, ticketmaster. com and by calling 1-800-745-3000.
John Legend. Earlier this fall, the soul pianist who sometimes is recognized as Jesus Christ (as in, “Superstar”) released his first holiday offering — “A Legendary Christmas,” featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica (“What Christmas Means to Me”) and Raphael Saadiq handling production. This is the complementary tour for the newly minted EGOT winner. 8 p.m. Nov. 20. $79-$233.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-855285-8499, foxtheatre.org.
The Stuffing. This is the ninth annual Thanksgiving celebration for Atlanta-based Manchester Orchestra, who will be joined by New Jersey trio the Front Bottoms, as well
as Saves the Day, Kevin Devine (solo), O’Brother and Mighty. Performances will take place in the main room and the Egyptian Ballroom throughout the event. 5 p.m. Nov. 21. $25-$55. Fox Theatre.
Dave Koz. The sax man has hit the road at the holidays for 21 years, so clearly something is working. Joining Koz are Mindi Abair (a newbie to the Koz Christmas tour); return guest singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler; and keyboardist Keiko Matsui. Expect to hear a Hanukkah medley among the Christmas classics. 8 p.m. Nov. 30. $41-$84. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta.
The Piano Guys. Pianist Jon Schmidt, cellist Steven Sharp Nelson, videographer Paul Anderson and music producer Al van der Beek formed the group a decade ago and became viral sensations with their melding of classical and pop. They’ve released a couple of Christmas albums, including last year’s “Christmas Together.” 2:30 and 8 p.m. Dec. 1. $55-$80. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra. For 20 years, TSO has dazzled arena crowds with its dynamic lasers and lighting and swaggering electric guitars. This year, the tour will visit 65 cities across the nation to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Ghosts of Christmas Eve” with a new stage design and other production. 3 and 8 p.m. Dec. 8. $49-$79.50. Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464, infiniteenergycenter.com.
Kenny Lattimore. Known for his soulful sounds, the Washington, D.C., native returned to his gospel roots a couple of years ago with “A Kenny Lattimore Christmas.” The 11-song album produced the singles “Real Love This Christmas” and “I Cry Holy.” 7 and 10 p.m. Dec. 8. $35-$45. City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave., Ponce City Market, Atlanta. 404-946-3791, citywinery.com/atlanta/.
Star 94.1 Jingle Jam. The annual radio station soiree returns for a second year to the more intimate club confines of the Coca-Cola Roxy (compared to its previous frequent home of Infinite Energy Arena). This year’s lineup spotlights O.A.R., Jesse McCartney and Brynn Elliott. 8 p.m. Dec. 12. $38.84-$55.72. CocaCola Roxy, 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta.
Power 96.1 Jingle Ball. The perfectly pleasant Shawn Mendes headlines this year’s event and will be joined by Calvin Harris, G-Eazy, Marshmello, Bazzi, Alessia Cara and Sabrina Carpenter. The ubiquitous Mendes also has a July 31 show slated for State Farm Arena. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. $54.50-$97.50. State Farm Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta.
Yacht Rock Holiday Special. Really, we just have one request: to hear “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” with sleigh bells. 8 p.m. Dec. 15. $35-$45. Coca-Cola Roxy.
V-103 Winterfest. Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, who just released his third studio album, “Love Me Now?,” will top a lineup that includes “Birthday Sex” singer/rapper Jeremih, new-ish comers H.E.R., DVSN and Ella Mai, as well as Jacquees, Sevyn Streeter and Lil Duval. 8 p.m. Dec. 15. $78.75$157.50. State Farm Arena.
Puddles Pity Party. In January, Big Mike Geier (aka Puddles the sad sack clown) will start a residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. But first, the Atlanta resident known as “the sad clown with the golden voice” will embark on his first holiday outing, “Puddles Pity Party & Friends Holiday Jubilee.” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. $16.25$71.25. Fox Theatre.
Celtic Woman. The angelic sounds of the Irish female ensemble — currently Máiréad Carlin, Éabha McMahon, Tara McNeill and Megan Walsh — pay dividends year-round. But their vocal stylings are especially poignant on Christmas albums “A Christmas Celebration” and “Home for Christmas,” which they will cull from live. 8 p.m. Dec. 22. $49.50$79.50. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.
Other festive concert offerings
Nov. 25: Will Downing’s “Soulful Sounds of Christmas” (with Eric Benet and Eric Roberson), Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Nov 28: Keith & Kristian Getty, “Sing! An Irish Christmas,” Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Dec. 11: Kris Allen, “Somethin’ About Christmas” (with Sawyer), City Winery.
Dec. 16: PJ Morton, “A Gumbo Christmas Tour,” Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta. 1-877-9876487, ticketfly.com.
Dec. 18-19: Ed Roland’s Winter Wonder Bash, Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-987-6487, eddiesattic.com.
Dec. 21: ATL Collective Presents: Funky Christmas, Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta.
Dec. 22: The Weepies, “Holiday Acoustic Duo,” Variety Playhouse.
Dec. 22: Jane Lynch, “A Swingin’ Little Christmas,” City Winery.