Andrew Sherman
Once again, it’s the most wonderful time of the year … to rock! Every year, like it or not, the holiday spirit grabs hold of pretty much everyone and everything. Musicians are no different. Each year they come up with new spins on the traditional seasonal themes. There are always the carols and choirs, symphonies and Elvis impersonators to spread the holiday vibe. For those who prefer a more modern musical take on Christmas, there are less traditional shows to check out.
Here are the best Christmas concerts in Dallas-Fort Worth:
FW Rock and Roll Assembly 8
6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14
1002 S. Main St., Fort Worth
After a five-year hiatus, Rock and Roll Assembly is back. This popular event at The Cicada presents some of Fort Worth’s best talent performing music of our favorite bands. This year boasts headliners Brandon Lea of Flickerstick perfoming music from the Smashing Pumpkins, and Grammy-winning producer Jordan Richardson with Grammy-winning Mark Lettieri, Big Mike Richardson and Ginny Mac, who will pay homage to Steely Dan. The fest is kicked off with student Fort Worth School of Rock performers. This may not be a literal Christmas party but we threw it in because this show has been sorely missed the last five years. Its return is like a giant present to the Fort Worth scene. Plus, it will have local vendors so you can sneak in some Christmas shopping while you jam. Tickets go for $13 for one day, two-day packages for $26 and a super package at $45 with a swag bag.
The 6th Annual Ho-Ho-Ho Down With Mason Adams Project
7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14
4980 Belt Line Road, No. 200
The revamped Mason Adams Project may have a new lineup, but their holiday show tradition continues. It’s happening at the new Alley Music House in North Dallas with up-and-coming jamband Thought Diet and MAP. The flyer also says “surprise guests,” so, while we’re not counting on a guy in a beard and a red suit showing up, there should be some cool twists in the night. Tickets range from $10 for GA to a couch seat at $65.
Christmas Metal Mayhem
7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14
210 N. Crowdus St.
You say you need more Christmas and metal-themed nights? Fear not, because Reno’s Chop Shop Saloon has you covered. As the bar says on the event page, “We don’t care if you’ve been naughty or nice, let’s rage out!” With sets by Swarm, Dreamland, Pass the Ammunition, Electric Vengeance and Anakall, it all’s a steal for $10.
Christmas Sweater Party featuring Chancy, Electrik Ants and Doc’s Dirty Laundry
8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19
3520 Greenville Ave.
Grab your favorite sweater and head over to Lower Greenville’s Sundown at Granada for some groovy, funky and upbeat music from some of Dallas’ best upcoming bands. Your sweater doesn’t even have to be ugly! Only $12!
Electrik Ants, ugly Christmas sweaters … it’s Santa Season.
Cody Jinks, A Solo Acoustic Christmas
7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19
2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
If you’re looking for something a little more country, Fort Worth’s own Cody Jinks might be the show for you. The event’s name leaves very little mystery to the night Jinks has planned. We’re betting he might throw in some originals as well. Tickets are $40-$150.
Kenny and Hunter’s Christmas Baggage
8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20
2934 Main St.
New Bohemian Kenny Withrow once again joins forces with longtime friend and fellow Deadhead Hunter Hendrickson for what has become a Deep Ellum tradition. What could be better than munching on some comfort food and hearing live Christmas songs with some DE legends at the legendary Deep Ellum venue AllGood Cafe? Come dressed in the spirit of the holidays. Tickets are $20.
An Epic Christmas with Eric Unplugged
8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20
7800 Windrose Ave., Plano
Eric Unplugged performs some of the greatest rock songs of all time with an acoustic band complete with a string quartet. On this epic evening, Eric will mix in some of your favorite Christmas tunes at a family-friendly concert. Grab dinner form the food court and sing along. Tickets are $5-$250.
The Polyphonic Spree 21st Annual Holiday Extravaganza
7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21
1925 Elm St.
This annual event is a whole lotta fun for the whole family. This Christmapalooza takes place at the historic Majestic Theatre and presents The Polyphonic Spree’s Christmas set followed by its “Rock Show” – as Spree singer and host of the evening Tim DeLaughter calls it. Also appearing: friends of the Spree and more fake snow than the poppy scene in The Wizard of Oz. If you haven’t been, now is the time. Tickets $45-$95.
Are you ready to Christmas this hard with The Polyphonic Spree?
Unsilent Night, Celebrating Women in Metal
7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21
2709 Elm St.
What better time of the year to honor DFW’s women of metal than Christmas? To be honest, we’re not sure we understand the connection either but we’re happy to celebrate women any chance we get. The night at Trees in Deep Ellum features music from the bands From Then On, Among the Fallen, Moonfallen and Awaiting Abigail. Rock on! Tickets are $15.
A Very Itchy Christmas
2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 23
2616 Weisenberger St., Fort Worth
Itchy Ritchie and the Burning Sensations headline this pot-luck Christmas party/album release show. The show also promises sets by Jeff Zero and his Own Private Universe. It’s at the brand new Fort Worth venue Hoppin’ and it’s free. Grab a casserole and head on over.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.dallasobserver.com ’
