ATLRetro

By Jordan Barbeau
Contributing Writer

Monday, December 19

Have you ever felt that Christmas isn’t adult enough? If so, the Graveyard Tavern has the celebration for you! Slaytanic X-Mas takes Christmas in a whole new, less conventional direction. With music by Dead Parris and Black Sunshine, a horror movie marathon and live snow wrestling, this is one celebration that is sure to be gleefully ho ho horrible. Joe Gransden presents the first of two Big Band Holiday Shows with his 16-piece orchestra at Café 290 on Mon. Dec. 19. From 3 PM on, savor tropical sounds and libations, as well as a Polynesian dinner during Mai Tai Monday at Smith’s Olde Bar. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for BBQ and local blues/jazz band Dry White Toast.

Tuesday, December 20

Possibly one of the most famous Chrsitmas specials of all time, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS has remained a holiday tradition since it was released back in the ‘60s. Jeffrey Butzer (for our ATLRetro interview with Jeffrey, click here) and T.T. Mahony bring Vince Guaraldi‘s music from the Christmas classic to the vintage Earl Smith Strand Theatre. The family-friendly Atlanta tradition also features Chad Shivers and Friends opening with ‘60s surf favorites from The Ventures Christmas Album. Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. Burning Time play Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers bring the blues to Northside Tavern. Catch Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon, featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday, December 21

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, the 1946 Christmas classic directed by Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart, plays on the big screen at The Strand. Retro Reviewer Tom Drake digs into its perennial appeal here. Jacob Deaton, an Atlanta jazz guitarist, and his trio bring jazz to Christmas time at the Five Spot. Smith’s Olde Bar gets funky with the Atlanta Funk Society. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission plays Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Joe Gransden.

Thursday, December 22

Joe Gransden brings a big jazzy Christmas celebration to Eddie’s Attic in the form of Joe Gransden’s Big Band Christmas Show, featuring special guest vocalist Maria Howell. Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe gets the holiday treatment this week, with the Bluegrass Thursday Holiday Jam. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar Trader Vic’s where Tongo Hiti, featuring Big Mike Geier, play Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. The Breeze Kings and The Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Friday, December 23

Nationally known but local favorites since the 1980s, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ returns to their roots for a special hometown pre-Christmas show at the Tabernacle. Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, a skilled blues guitarist, brings her unique style to Fat Matt’s. Northside Tavern breaks out the dueling pianos with Lola Gulley, Eddie Tigner and Ike Stubblefield. Country and rock bands West End Motel, Lo Country and Black Heart Line rock Smith’s Olde Bar, in addition to a burlesque performance by Calu’s Peepshow. The Star Bar holds a garage-band Christmas celebration, featuring the talents of The Clap, Abby Gogo, Mermaids, Ghost Bikini and Paint Fumes.

Saturday, December 24

Recent Kool Kat Rod Hamdallah performs a solo show at Nik’s Place in Marietta. Mudcat makes Christmas Eve a little bluesy at Northside Tavern. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, December 25

Col. Bruce Hampton and The Egyptian Windmill Operators spice up Christmas at Five Spot. Mudcat plays again at Northside Tavern, today with special guest Bill Sheffield. And Recent Kool Kat Rod Hamdallah performs with Gabriel Pline at Nik’s Place in Marietta.

Ongoing Seasonal

Ride Priscilla the Pink Pig. While the old rooftop monorail around Rich’s toy department doesn’t quite compare to a train in a tent next to Macy’s at Lenox Square, Priscilla’s face still retains that cheerful grin of delight among the vintage sets in a big tent for a new generation of kids. Proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The historic Davison’s (later Macy’s) Department Store building at 200 Peachtree in downtown Atlanta gets a festive new lease on life as the headquarters of CHRISTMAS ON PEACHTREE, featuring 70,000 square feet of fun family-friendly activities, live music and dance, food and shopping. Expect to meet favorite characters from THE CARTOON NETWORK, the signature sponsor, and part of the proceeds also support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Open through New Years Eve.

At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, enjoy WINTER WONDERLAND: CELEBRATIONS & TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD, featuring trees and other displays from cultures around the world, through Jan. 8.

Nothing says Retro Christmas than over-the-top light displays and insane amounts of decorations crammed into the smallest possible yard, house or—in the case of Der Biergarten—restaurant. The Luckie-Marietta district German restaurant has pulled out all the stops with nearly 10,000 ornaments, 72 nutcrackers and 26 Christmas trees! Decorations are in place every night through Jan. 8.

The Southeastern Railway Museum features a variety of family-friendly seasonal activities including a chance to watch THE POLAR EXPRESS movie aboard a real vintage train car.

Ongoing Theatre

The Center for Puppetry Arts’ official stage adaptation of the Rankin-Bass misfit Christmas TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is back for a second year with Rudolph, Clarisse, Hermie. Yukon and all the beloved characters. Read our interview with adapter/director and Center Artistic Director Jon Ludwig here. Through Dec. 31.

Dad’s Garage offers a new take on the humbug Christmas classic with INVASION: CHRISTMAS CAROL. This nutty interpretation of the Dickens’ favorite throws all the conventional aspects of the story out the window, replacing them with a delicious improv flavor as different spirits visit every evening, to the surprise of even the cast! Through Dec. 23.

Or there’s the black humor of THE SANTALAND DIARIES at Horizon Theatre Company, the true-life tale of writer David Sedaris’ writer’s odd job as a Macy’s Department Store elf. Kids of all ages will also enjoy of MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS, a musical play based on Ludwig Bemelman‘s delightful book about French schoolgirls, also at Horizon through Jan. 1.

Fabrefaction Theatre Company gives Richard O’Brien’s infamous ROCKY HORROR SHOW some seasonal shock treatment, resetting the Tony Award-nominated musical and inspiration for the cult classic movie, to the North Pole in a Christmas-themed run. Through Dec. 23.

For more than 50 years, the Atlanta Ballet has been presenting its version of THE NUTCRACKER to delighted audiences of all ages, and if you haven’t experienced it in the magical setting of the Fabulous Fox Theatre, you haven’t experienced Christmas in Atlanta. In addition to creative costumes and fanciful sets, it’s guaranteed to snow! Through Dec. 24.

THE 1940S RADIO HOUR boogie-woogies back to Marietta’s Theatre in the Square Dec. 17-Jan. 1 after a five-year hiatus with swing music, dance routines and heartwarming characters at a vintage radio station. Watch for our Retro Review by Jordan Barbeau soon.
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The nostalgic 16th annual CHRISTMAS CANTEEN 2011 takes audiences down memory lane at the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville. Through Dec. 23

Ongoing Exhibits

Explore one of America’s most iconic theaters in AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING: HOW THE APOLLO THEATER SHAPED AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT, a special exhibition at the Atlanta History Center . Presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, in collaboration with the Apollo Theater Foundation, the display includes historic and contemporary costumes, playbills, music scores, graphic images and recorded music. Through March 4, 2012.

PICASSO TO WARHOL, a special art exhibition at the High Museum of Art, features over 100 works of art from 14 of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Through Apr. 29, 2012.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.