We’ve just overflowing with holiday spirit this week, plus much music, theater and laughs in The 10 for the week of Dec. 5-11.
Montgomery Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
Two days of Christmas fun are coming to downtown Montgomery this week. The city’s tree lighting ceremony is being held Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Riverfront Park, 355 Commerce St. Take the tunnel entrance into the park on Commerce Street. Then on Friday at 6 p.m., the annual Christmas Parade returns to downtown Montgomery, with dozens of floats and performers. Of course, Santa will be there as always, bringing up the end of the parade.
Allman Family Revival celebrates what would have been Gregg Allman’s 75th birthday
Montgomery is the official birthday spot for the late Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers. On Thursday, the day that would have been the Southern rock icon’s 75th birthday, son Devon Allman is bringing the Allman Family Revival to the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The show starts at 8 p.m., and features the Devon Allman Project, Duane Betts, Luther Dickinson, Samantha Fish, Jimmy Hall, Maggie Rose, Larry McCray, River Kittens, Orbi Orbison, Donovan Frankenreiter, and John Ginty, plus supporting act J.D. Simo. The artists will do one of their own songs, and one that’s their take on an Allman Brothers classic. Tickets range from $38 to $68 and are available at mpaconline.org, or by calling the box office at 334-481-5100.
‘Dot’ opens Thursday at Cloverdale Playhouse
Welcome to the Shealy family, and a Christmas tale that goes beyond brightness and joy, while staying twisted and hilarious. Colman Domingo’s “Dot” opens Thursday and runs through Dec. 18 at the Cloverdale Playhouse, 960 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery. In this play directed by Greg Thornton, Dotty Shealy and her three sons have a lot on their minds and hearts. Living in the heart of a West Philly neighborhood, Dotty is struggling to hold on to her memories. Her children are trying to balance caring for their mother and themselves. Performance are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $20, and can be purchased online at cloverdaleplayhouse.org.
Learn how to eat healthy during the holidays
Thanksgiving is just past us, and Christmas, New Year’s and other holidays are just ahead — all of which come with a wealth of gatherings and calories. Yes, you’re likely to eat more around Christmas, but it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. On Friday, 1-2 p.m., the Montgomery County Extension Office, 5340 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, is offering a free class: Ten Tips to Help You Eat Healthy During Christmas. Presented by Gloria Maxie, a regional USNAP-ED educator, it’s info you can use going into the New Year as well. Registration is required to attend: aces.edu/event/ten-tips-to-help-you-eat-healthy-during-christmas-holidays.
Gatlin Brothers bring Country & Christmas to MPAC
Here’s a concert you wouldn’t want to miss for “All The Gold in California.” Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, the Grammy-winning trio of the Gatlin Brothers, are back in Montgomery for a Country and Christmas show on Friday, 7 p.m., at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. They’ve been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 40 years, and have racked up an impressive seven No. 1 singles, 32 Top 40 records, 22 studio albums, 5 CMA nominations, ACM male vocalist of the year for Larry Gatlin, ACM album of the year for “Straight Ahead,” ACM single of the year for “All The Gold in California,” and a Grammy for Best Country Song “Broken Lady.” Tickets range from $17 to $42 and are available at mpaconline.org, or by calling the box office at 334-481-5100.
Safari of Lights at Alabama Safari Park
Have a beautiful driving experience Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5-9 p.m. at Alabama Safari Park, 1664 Venable Road, Hope Hull. There will be thousands of sparkling lights to draw your gaze. After the drive, get out and stretch, and then walk through the illuminated Candy Cane Forest, and visit farm animals in the petting area. There will be holiday games, complimentary hot chocolate, and on select days, Santa will be there. After this weekend, Safari of Lights runs Dec. 16-31, but will be closed on Christmas Day. Tickets are $11 per person. Get them online at alabamasafaripark.com/event/safari-of-lights.
Old Alabama Town’s Christmas Open House
The Landmarks Foundation is presenting a Christmas Open House on Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Montgomery’s jewel of history — Old Alabama Town. They’ll have live music, food (Funky Forte Food Truck), vendors, local makers (Bottletree Pottery, Fruit and Flora, Sarah Tanner Art, OAT Gift Shop) and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Baldwin Arts and Academic Magnet School students and the Montgomery Dulcimers will perform. The Federation of Garden Clubs has donated their time to decorate Old Alabama Town live greenery in 19th-century style. Enter at Lucas Tavern, 310 N. Hull St. Admission is free, so bring your family and friends.
Jingle Ball Colored-Pin Tournament at Bama Lanes
When you bowl on the holidays, do you imagine a set of elves in front of you? Well, Bama Lanes, 3020 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, has the next best thing on Saturday. Instead of only the usual white pins, they’ll have some colorful ones out as part of a Jingle Ball Colored-Pin Tournament. Check-in begins at noon, and bowling starts at 1 p.m. It’s $20 a person. Participants bowl three games. Bowl a strike with a colored head pin for a chance to spin to win on the prize wheel. Handicap is 90% of 230. There’s a cash payout on the day of the tournament, and the prize fund depends on the number of participants.
Nate Bargatze brings The Raincheck Tour to Montgomery
Sunday’s the day for “nice” comedy at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. In fact, they’re bringing in the man known as the “Nicest Man in Stand-Up.” It’s Nate Bargatze, a rising star among comics, who has been on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Conan multiple times. He’ll be there at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39.75 to $79.75 and are available at mpaconline.org, or by calling the box office at 334-481-5100.
PCA’s Christmas Band Concert on Sunday
Looking for a fun, free way to celebrate Christmas with music this year? Prattville Christian Academy is holding its Christmas Band Concert at 2 p.m. Sunday at Hunter Hills Church, 330 Old Farm Lane N in Prattville. It’ll feature students from intermediate and advanced bands performing holiday favorites. Admission is free.
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com
