This weekend should really be the time you finish up your holiday shopping and wrapping and cooking and whatever else you’re more than likely behind on. Or if you’re like me and waiting until Monday to do it, then we have a few shows to keep your mind off the prize this weekend. If you actually get all the holiday prep done this weekend or, Santa forbid, finished your shopping back in October, well, then I’m giving you some coal if I run into you.
Local Honey's Holiday Mix Show 8 p.m. Friday, December 21. Lakewood Theater, 1825 Abrams Parkway.
Let go of the need to check out hip indie rock this weekend and go indulge yourself in some holiday cheer. Do you have to be emo all the time? This “15-piece all-star pop-orchestra” is looking to make the holiday (not Christmas mind you) a new tradition with this show now in its second year. Miss Kelly Brown, the guru behind the show, has assembled local musicians including Andy Timmons (guitar), Bryan Wakeland (drums), Reggie Rueffer (fiddle), Freddie Jones (trumpeter) and brought in Linda Proch from the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. In fact, Proch is the Assistant Concert Master of the RSO so this is going to be a snazzy show. But don’t worry. They promise pop, jazz and original music against classical holiday pieces. Tickets are $12 and $15 at the door.
The Crash That Took Me 8 p.m. Friday, December 21. Good Records, 1808 Lower Greenville Ave.
OK, so if you’re not in the holiday spirit and perhaps a little low on funds, scooch on over to Good Records for their free in-store performance of TCTTM. Yes, we do love us some Crash. The band will be premiering its debut video “Julianne” and then rocking out the place with tunes from its recent release, Orchestrated Kaleidoscopes. The group's buzz is growing so maybe get there a tad early. At the very least, you can be first in line for the booze and treats they will be serving. But according to the Web site, Good is telling everyone to dress accordingly. Yeah, not sure what they’re meaning either.
Asleep at the Wheel, Deadman, Heather Knox, Chaney Chaney Bang Bang RESCHEDULED from Saturday, December 22 to February 29, The Door, 2513 Main St.
I can’t tell if many people know this show has been rescheduled two months out but just in case you were heading out to catch the Grammy-winning Austin swing band, well, think again. This was initially going to be a recommendation but the Web site quietly mentions the new date. This was originally a Christmas charity event, but it will kind of lose its holiday flavor on Leap Day.
Sarah Jaffe, Sean Kirkpatrick, Twig and Owl, Emil Rapstine 9 p.m. Saturday, December 22. Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio, 411 E. Sycamore St., Denton
Sarah Jaffe is another local we love, but it is Twig and Owl that should rile your interest here. Denton’s Sarah Renfro is reincarnated as T and O and has come home from Brooklyn to remind us not to forget her in these parts. Her smoky voice against lush acoustics will whisper on your neck like a lover inducing a tinge of goose bumps. Prepare to light up after her set. Personally, I’m curious about Emil Rapstine because his name sounds like a Doctor Strange villain. And I just like saying – Emil Rapstine.
The Frenz 6 p.m. Saturday, December 22. Space, 2814 Main St.
The Frenz is performing as part of local photographer Hal Samples’ art show and sale. If you’re on the hunt for that unique artsy gift, this may be your stop. Plus, with an early start time, you can still fit some more in to your night. Or get home and finish up the wrapping.
Twas the Night Before Christmas Eve Eve – The Church Christmas Party 8 p.m. Sunday December 23. Lizard Lounge, 2424 Swiss Ave. @ Good-Latimer.
Lizard Lounge seems to have covered all its bases for this party. Why not goth it up and get freaky the night before all your festivities kick in? Lizard wants you to so much so that until 9 p.m., everybody’s getting in for free. If you get there by 8 p.m., you'll be inside complimentary champagne reception for the next hour. Then, the club will be screening The Nightmare Before Christmas because you totally want to watch a movie there. Yeah, it’s gothic ambiance, I get it. To add to the jubilation, Miss Demonica will have her Merry Spanking Booth open too. Obviously, this is the spot for those on the naughty list. -- Rich Lopez
