25 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN AUSTIN THIS DECEMBER
December 1, 2017
Article by: Sarah Thurmond, Austinmonthly.com
FROM LADY GAGA TO THE TRAIL OF LIGHTS, YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THESE EVENTS THIS MONTH
Through Dec. 3
Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company kicks off its 18th season with this new modern dance piece staged in a furniture showroom and warehouse off South Congress Avenue. Expect to be fully immersed in the performance, as dancers move through the space and engage with the audience.
KC Grey Home, 211 East Alpine, #700
Through Dec. 9
Different Stages presents Carson McCullers’ classic coming-of-age story about a 12-year-old tomboy growing up in 1940s rural Georgia and suffering from feelings of isolation and adolescent anxiety.
The Vortex, 2307 Manor Road
Through Dec. 31
ZACH Theatre’s adaptation of Dickens’ Christmas classic updates the traditional Victorian tale about Ebenezer Scrooge’s rediscovery of human kindness with a modern musical score. Even the most cantankerous among us will find their hearts warmed by this production.
ZACH Theatre, 202 S. Lamar
Through Jan. 7
The Open Road: Photography and the American Road Trip
The road trip was a popular subject in post–World War II American literature, music, film, and photography. In this exhibition the focus is on what was seen through the camera lens, as photographers like William Eggleston (who took the photo below) captured our obsession with cars and the open road.
Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Dec. 1-2
Acclaimed jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and British a cappella group the Swingles pair up for a night of rich vocals and dynamic jazz. Grammy-winning Elling is known for his baritone that spans four octaves.
McCullough Theatre, 2375 Robert Dedman Dr.
Dec. 2
Initiated by John Mayer in 2015, this Grateful Dead tribute supergroup is composed of surviving members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir, along with Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti.
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
Dec. 2
Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll
This annual event attracts 20,000 merrymakers with live music, shopping, photos with Santa, and more. Donations of cash or nonperishable food items will be accepted for the Central Texas Food Bank.
Congress Avenue and the Capitol
Dec. 2
SIMS Foundation Annual Heart of the City
The SIMS Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness, celebrates outlaw country music at this year’s annual fundraiser. Performers include Charlie Mars, Rosie Flores, and Jonathan Terrell; plus hear stories about the Armadillo World Headquarters, Soap Creek Saloon, and other historic venues. Emo’s Austin, 2015 E Riverside Dr.
Dec. 3
A Historic Holiday: Pomanders, Putz Houses, and Historic Board Games
The Neill-Cochran House opens its doors to an afternoon full of free, kid-friendly activities centered around holiday games and crafts that were popular in the 19th century, including the building of pomanders (citrus fruits decorated with spices) and cardboard putz houses.
Neill-Cochran House, 2310 San Gabriel St.
Dec. 5
Dance the night away with Stefani Germanotta (aka Lady Gaga) as she takes the stage this month at the Frank Erwin Center in support of her latest album, Joanne. The dynamic 31-year-old singer’s year has included an electric Super Bowl performance in February and the release of her Netflix documentary, Gaga: Five Foot Two. Health issues forced her to postpone the European leg of her tour, but she has assured her “Little Monster” fans that she’s getting stronger every day to return to the stage and perform hits songs like “Just Dance” and “The Cure.”
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
Dec. 5
New York Times best-selling author Reza Aslan discusses his new book, God: A Human History, and the desire for human beings to make sense of faith in their lives.
First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca St.
Dec. 7-10
Austin Asian-American Film Festival
This 10-year-old festival recognizes Asian-American cinema. Films screening this year include The Chinese Exclusion Act, about experiences of Chinese-Americans in the late 1800s, centerpiece feature Who Killed Vincent Chin? with filmmaker Christine Choy in attendance, and The Future Perfect, which chronicles the life of a young Chinese girl living in Argentina.
AFS Cinema, 6406 N. Interstate 35 Ste. 3100
Dec. 7-10
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is always beautiful, but visit on this weekend to see magical luminarias and lights among the plants. You can get a hot chocolate and taffy while wandering around the gardens listening to music. A visit to the Wildflower Center this weekend is sure to brighten your December.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave.
Dec. 8
Former Vice President Biden visits town in support of his memoir Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose. A ticket gets you a copy of the book, which chronicles the year 2015, when Biden witnessed his son pass away from brain cancer while dealing with the constant questioning about whether he would run for the presidency in 2016.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
Dec. 9
Enjoy a night of music with some of Austin’s best up-and-coming talents at the Black Fret Ball. The nonprofit supports and encourages musicians through its grant-giving program; become a member and attend the ball to hear music from the organization’s 2017 potential grant recipients.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
Dec. 9
Ninth Annual Air Sex Championships
Feel like watching something a little, er, risque? The Ninth Annual Air Sex Championships is a comedy show where contestants mix athleticism, creativity, and tons of courage to be the ultimate air sex performer.
Mohawk, 912 Red River St.
Dec. 9-14
Conspirare Christmas with Special Guest Carrie Rodriguez
Celebrate the holiday season while experiencing the soaring voices and intricate arrangements of Grammy-winning choir group Conspirare at this annual Christmas event. This year local singer-songwriter Carrie Rodriguez will be the guest artist.
Various locations
Dec. 9-23
Austin’s favorite holiday tradition is back. Enjoy walking along the trail in Zilker Park, where more than 2 million lights and 40 displays offer something for the whole family. Don’t forget to snap a picture while spinning under the Zilker Christmas Tree.
Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd.
Dec. 12
Join Austin Symphony and Chorus Austin for what has become a fixture of the season. From “Comfort ye, my people” to the final “Amen,” this concert puts you in the mood to rejoice this month.
Hyde Park Baptist Church, 3901 Speedway
Dec. 14
NPR fans know the Moth for its weekly podcasts featuring artfully crafted stories by people from all walks of life. The Paramount Theatre show should be a night jam-packed with a mixture of funny and poignant storytelling.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
Dec. 15
Featuring George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Eddie Griffin, the Comedy Get Down promises plenty of laughs from these legends of stand-up comedy.
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
Dec. 20
Graham Reynolds Ruins the Holidays
For all you Scrooges out there tired of listening to the same old holiday tunes, join local composer Graham Reynolds and some of Austin’s best musicians as they “ruin” favorite holiday jingles by playing most of them in a minor key.
The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
Dec. 29-31
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Revisit Ralphie and his Christmas quest for a Red Ryder BB gun in this Tony-nominated musical adaptation of the classic 1983 film.
The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
Dec. 29-31
Willie Nelson & Family New Year
Catch this living legend and Austin’s hometown hero as he rings in 2018 with three consecutive nights of performances. Guaranteed to be a good time, the evening includes appearances by Blackberry Smoke and youngest son Lukas Nelson and his band, Promise of the Real.
ACL Live at The Moody Theater, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd.
Dec. 31
Ring in another year with live music and fireworks at the city’s official New Year’s party. With a lineup boasting more than 10 bands, several art vendors, and tons of food trucks, this festive bash is the perfect way to say goodbye to the past and welcome 2018.
Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Original Link: http://www.austinmonthly.com/AM/December-2017/25-Things-You-Must-Do-in-Austin-this-December/
