Best Bets 12.6.13-12.20.13

From parties to fundraisers to town halls, there’s something for everyone in our extensive calendar

FRIDAY, DEC. 6

The annual Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia’s Winter Party is collecting kitchen items for CHRIS Kids. 7-10 p.m. at 868 Myrtle St. www.stonewallbar.org

“Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker” opens at the Fox Theatre. Choreographed by John McFall,
music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, live with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. A holiday tradition that includes a fun-filled, magical adventure that continues to thrill audiences. Runs through Dec. 29. Various times and prices. www.foxtheatre.org

The Winter Flame, an evening to support SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW! will feature glass blowing, live performances, oral history as well as refreshments and more. General admission tickets on a sliding scale of $35-$100. The event is from 8-11 p.m. at Studioplex, 659 Auburn Ave.http://thewinterflame.eventbrite.com/?aff=efbevent

The Other Show — A FauxKing Extravaganza stars Celeste Holmes, Edie Cheezburger, Evah Destruction, Jaye Lish, Violet Chachki and Miami Royale. 21 and up to drink, $5 cover, show starts at 9:30 p.m. at Jungle. www.jungleatl.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 7

SEC Championship Charity Bust hosted by LGBT bowling league Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournament. Money raised will go to charities. 4 p.m. at The Hideway. http://on.fb.me/HSAPuh

Atlanta’s Every Womyn hosts its Taste of Christmas Charity Dinner and Show fundraiser for Lift Up Atlanta. The party includes savory and sweet treats from local restaurants and catering companies. There will also be music, entertainment and a silent auction. $12 for advance tickets, $18 at the door. 6-9 p.m. at UUCA – Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta,https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8980530007

The Atlanta Bucks’ Miss Ruck-N-Maul: Down Under edition features hostess Ruby Redd and DJ Pat Scott. More contestants than ever are competing for the title. The Bucks are partnering with Lost -N- Found with a portion of the proceeds going to help homeless LGBT youth. 6:30 p.m. at Jungle.http://on.fb.me/17zDEXC

Southern Bears hold its holiday party from 7-9 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center.http://on.fb.me/18F7x9n

Savannah First City Network, Georgia’s oldest LGBT organization, is holding its December party at 202 W. Bolton St. in Savannah. Bring a non-perishable canned food to donate to Thomas Park Food Pantry. 7-10 p.m., www.firstcitynetwork.net/

Ruby’s Redd Light District (the night of 1000 OMGs) includes free gift bags to the first 20 people to show up no later than 9 p.m. At Jungle. www.jungleatl.com

Boys Toys, a toy drive for CHRIS Kids, with DJ Russ Rich. 10 p.m. at Jungle. www.jungleatl.com

The Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are bringing Jockstrap Sister Twister to the Atlanta Eagle to be held on the first Saturday night of each month. $5 to enter and chances to win a $50 bar tab. Funds go to the support grants the Sisters give to community groups. 9-11 p.m., Atlanta Eagle,www.atlantaeagle.com

SUNDAY, DEC. 8

The Israeli Consultate and Out on Film sponsor and encore screening of the film “Melting Away,” nominated for Best Actress by the Israeli Academy Awards. The film also won two Out on Film 2013 Jury Awards — Best Actress and Best Director. Tickets are $10 with the screening at noon. Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema. www.outonfilm.org

The 11th annual Toy Party sponsored by For the Kid in All of Us includes performance artists with DJ Vicki Powell and DJ Sed. General admission is a new unwrapped toy valued at $20 or more plus a $5 cash donation. There is a VIP experience and also the Ultra Lounge. This holiday cocktail party includes a massive silent auction. 5-9 p.m., America’s Mart Building 3, www.forthekid.org

Dar Williams in concert at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., at Red Clay Theatre, www.eddieowenpresents.com

Holiday Tea with DJ Joshuad. 7 p.m.-midnight. Jungle. www.jungleatl.com

Holiday Party & Sing-Along hosted by the 414 Collective and the Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition. Donation of $5 requested. 7-9 p.m., First Existentialist Congregation, 470 Candler Park Dr.

MONDAY, DEC. 9

The weekly Stars of the Century drag show begins at 10:30 p.m. at Jungle Atlanta.www.jungleatl.com

Every Monday is Juke Box Drag with Knomie Moore, 8-11 p.m. at Heretic. www.hereticatlanta.com

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11

The Health Initiative and Georgia Equality host the Atlanta Healthcare Town Hall meeting. The free to the public forum will discuss how the Affordable Care Act changes the healthcare landscape and how it specifically impacts LGBT individuals, couples, youth and people living with chronic medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS. 6:30-8 p.m., Phillip Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave.,www.thehealthinitiative.org

Edward Austin Hall and Bill Campbell, co-editors of “Mothership: Tales from Afrofuturism and Beyond,” discuss multiculturalism, diversity and characters of color in genre fiction. This is a Charis Circle from Margin to Center Literary Event. The suggested donation is $5. 7:30-9 p.m. at Charis Books and More. www.chariscircle.org

The annual Christmas carols sing-a-long at Blake’s on the Park features Dan Lax on keyboards. Complimentary food. 8 p.m., http://www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com/

Georgia State University’s BlackOUT GSU chapter celebrates the 10th anniversary of BlackOUT with an ugly Christmas sweater party. 7 p.m., Urban Life Building, second floor. http://on.fb.me/1bdIEBw

THURSDAY, DEC. 12

The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts the second annual “Out in the Kitchen” Holiday Affair featuring bites and tastings from Atlanta’s finest LGBT and allied chefs and restaurants. This year’s chefs include Shean Suter of Spice Market, Patric Bell-Good of Barrelhouse, Janine Falvo of Briza, Frank Bragg of Radial Cafe, Linda Harrell of Cibo e Beve and Chris Flores of Ratio Bakeshop. Tickets are $20 for members, $30 for non-members. 6-8 p.m., W-Atlanta Midtown,www.atlantagaychamber.org

A holiday fundraiser for Open Hand, a non-profit organization that has provided meals to those with chronic illnesses including HIV/AIDS for 25 years, at Chow Bing. The restaurant will donate 20 percent of sales to Open Hand. 6-9 p.m., Chow Bing, 349 Decatur St. www.projectopenhand.org

Sing For Your Life Season 2 Live Auditions will include 15 singers/vocalists chosen from video submissions made in September. The singer with the most audience votes is automatically included in Season 2. SFYL debuted in 2012 and is a local singing competition formatted after national television shows of the same genre. Backed by live musicians and mentored by industry professionals, contestants receive performance coaching and style consultations in addition to media exposure. Tickets to the show are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. 18 and up welcome. Doors open at 8 p.m. at Jungle. www.SingforyourLifeATL.com

FRIDAY, DEC. 13

Paparazzi featuring the work of photographer Jon Dean. 10 p.m. at 10th & Piedmont. Dean’s work includes portraits of Atlanta drag queens including Lavonia Elberton. (Photo by Jon Dean)http://on.fb.me/1gVdHKH

Traxx Girls presents the Showtime edition of Banjee Girl with exotic dancer Juice Box performing.www.mysistersroom.com

Area 51 presents the Third Annual Visionary Arts Fair featuring artists Alex Grey and Allyson Grey. Live art, artists market, live music and performers are part of the fair that will also include the mystical sounds of Desert Dwellers, Chronicles of the Landsquid, SubSqwad w/Sugar Kayne. There will also be body painters, aerialists, fire spinners and flow artists. 7 p.m.- 4:20 a.m., Spring 4th Complex (QUAD, Center and Annex), 714-728 Spring St. NW.http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/25465.aspx

Libby’s at the Express presents “Ho, Ho, Home for the Holidays and a Connie Sue Day Christmas!” It’s the annual celebration with Libby Whittemore who is joined this year by Connie Sue Day, “the 31st Lady of Country Music.” Through Dec. 22. www.actors-express.com

B.I.G. Productions presents Bear Invasion with DJ Doug Jackson and DJ Sean Mac. Doors open at 9 p.m. www.hereticatlanta.com

A memorial to the late Ria Pell of Ria’s Bluebird is planned at the Variety Playhouse with details still to be determined at press time.

SATURDAY, DEC. 14

The first annual Cynthia McKinney Coat and Blanket Drive for the Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless. Politicians, hip hop artists, Freedom Fighters and everyday people will gather at Task Force for the Homeless to service families in need and the homeless. 10 a.m., 477 Peachtree St.www.homelesstaskforce.org

Hotlanta Softball’s 2013 Jingle Ball includes $10 bottomless beer, specialty holiday cocktail and shots. Bring five cans of food and get a ticket for a raffle grab bag. Food proceeds go to Open Hand. Prizes for tackiest holiday attire. 3-8 p.m., The Hideaway, 1544 Piedmont Ave. www.hotlantasoftball.org

Farm to Ear concert featuring Doria Roberts and Urban Cannibals. Farm to Ear is a year-round, bi-monthly event featuring local food and local music with a focus on food justice, food access awareness and donations for food banks through can drives and monetary donations for the purchase of meals. The $100 minimum fundraising goal for this show will provide 240 meals through the Atlanta Community Food bank. Red Light Cafe, 6:30 p.m., www.facebook.com/urbancannibals

The Feminist Women’s Health Center hosts a night for people to share why feminism is needed, by telling stories, reading poems or manifestas and more. Featured performers include Tawny Powell and Akua Taylor. $5 suggested donation to go to Charis Circle. 7-9:30 p.m., Charis Books & More.http://on.fb.me/1ay4SkT

Gay artist Aubrey Longley-Cook’s exhibition “Serving Face” opens and runs through Jan. 14. The exhibition investigates and documents Atlanta’s drag queens by combining traditional embroidery techniques and animation. “Serving Face” will showcase Aubrey Longley-Cook’s portraits of drag queens, paired with work created by his RuPaul Cross Stitch Animation Workshop – a collaboration of 35 artists. Opening night will be highlighted by performances from local drag queens Lavonia Elberton, Ellisorous Rex, Cayenne Rouge, Xee Xee Bow Dong, and Brigitte Bidet. Presented by Barbara Archer Gallery and Erikson Clock at Erickson Clock, 364 Nelson St., Atlanta, GA 30313.http://on.fb.me/18i4d46

Due to popular demand, P!NK has extender her Truth About Love Tour with a stop in Atlanta. 8 p.m. at Philips Arena. Tickets range from $39.50-$125. www.philipsarena.com

SUNDAY, DEC. 15

The McDowell Fine Arts Center Community Artist Series Team at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, in cooperation with AID Atlanta, present “Go Light Your World!” a concert to benefit AID Atlanta. Come hear stirring traditional and contemporary holiday favorites. A suggested donation of $12 will be received at the door – seating is first come first serve, so arrive early! All proceeds will benefit AID Atlanta. 3 p.m. at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, www.aidatlanta.org

Wish List is a fundraiser for Joining Hearts that also raises awareness for the organization’s beneficiaries. Entry to the event is either a gift purchased from the 2013 Wish List for Jerusalem House and/or a gift card for a young adult at AID Atlanta ($25 minimum value for either option). Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served and complimentary specialty cocktails will be poured by Joining Hearts bartenders. 6-9 p.m., www.joininghearts.org

Create Love! For Women Who Love Women hosts an evening of mixing and mingling. There will be erotic spoken word and wine. 7-10 p.m., http://on.fb.me/17zH5NX

She Speaks! Presents the Brown Sugar Vibe’s “Wake Me Up” edition. Hosted by Lakara Foster with DJ E spinning. $10 cover. 7 p.m. at Kat’s Cafe, 970 Piedmont Ave. www.katscafeatlanta.com

MONDAY, DEC. 16

Tamales for Justice! A GALEO Holiday Social Fundraiser for the Latino Voter Defense Fund and the Gainesville Voting Rights Act litigation. $50 cover. 6:30-8:30 p.m., DelCampo Weber and Grayson LLC, Dunwoody Farm House, 5455 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. https://galeo.ejoinme.org/Dec16

TUESDAY, DEC. 17

The National Leadership Summit on HIV/AIDS is a project of AVAC: Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention in partnership with the National AIDS Education Service for Minorities (NAESM) and openly gay state Rep. Keisha Waites. The summit was founded out of the need to provide a platform for increased dialogue among state and local government leaders, public health professionals, and community based organizations as it pertains to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in urban communities and the socioeconomic issues fueling the epidemic. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coverdell Legislative Office Building,www.avac.org

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16

Hip Hop Karaoke Wednesdays with DJ M and Twee. Hosted by Jack Daddy and Missy. Over 20,000 songs to choose from. Drink specials all night. Doors open at 8 p.m. My Sisters Room,www.mysistersroom.com

THURSDAY, DEC. 19

7 Stages presents its annual “Krampus Xmas” running Dec. 19-21. Join 7 Stages and The Little Five Points Rockstar Orchestra as we celebrate the holidays in true rock n ‘roll fashion. Rock out with your stocking out, and leave the kids at home. This irreverent holiday show is not for the faint of heart. This show is for adults 18 and over. I.D. will be checked at the box office. www.7stages.org

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

“Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker” now at the Fox Theatre. Choreographed by John McFall,
music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, live with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Runs through Dec. 29. Various times and prices. www.foxtheatre.org

Libby’s at the Express presents “Ho, Ho, Home for the Holidays and a Connie Sue Day Christmas!” It’s the annual celebration with Libby Whittemore who is joined this year by Connie Sue Day, “the 31st Lady of Country Music.” Through Dec. 22. www.actors-express.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

Solstice Sale! Celebrate the holidays with Charis Books and More with everything in the store at least 10 percent off. Free gift wrapping as well as hot cider and cookies. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.,www.charisbooksandmore.com

Atlanta Freedom Bands presents “Holiday Spectacular!” For the first time ever, all performing ensembles will perform together on the same stage. The show features selections from the MetroGnomes Stage Band, dance routines from our Color Guard, festive favorites from the Marching Band, and a program of familiar and unusual holiday pieces from the Concert Band. The Master of Holiday Ceremonies will be WSB Radio’s Chris Chandler. Tickets are $15, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. 8-10 p.m., North Decatur Presbyterian Church, www.atlantafreedombands.com

DJ Joe Gauthreaux throws down at the Heretic for its anniversary party and CHRIS Kids toy drive. $5 cover before 11 p.m., $10 after. www.hereticatlanta.com