The Black Keys "Turn Blue" at Philips Arena on Dec. 11

Dan Auerbach's searing guitar attack.

Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney were buddies in Akron, jammed in Carney's basement, threw together some demos after quitting college and dreamt of being stars. Their dream came true. Seven Grammy Awards – so far – is pretty much a testament that the Black Keys are stars, indeed.   

The Nashville-based band played music from the new album, "Turn Blue" at Philips Arena.  Highlights below:

Ethereal St. Vincent Enchanted Philips Arena

Anne Erin "Annie" Clark is better known by her stage name St. Vincent.  She began her music career as a member of The Polyphonic Spree.

Her debut album was Marry Me (2007), followed by Actor (2009) and Strange Mercy (2011). She released a collaborative album with David Byrne in 2012 titled Love This Giant. Her fourth solo album, self-titled St. Vincent, was released in February 2014. In December 2014, St. Vincent was nominated for her first Grammy in the Best Alternative Music category.

St. Vincent  is currently the supporting act for The Black Keys during their tour this fall and winter.  Below are highlights from that show:

 

 

 

 

For information about St. Vincent, visit ilovestvincent.com.

 

 

Candlelight Nights at Atlanta History Center

Looking for something to do with the family on December 18th?  Head over to Atlanta History Center for Candlelight Nights.  It is a fun-filled evening for all ages.  You will step back in time and experience Christmas past with a candle-lit stroll through a crisp wooded trail that transports you to the warm glow of the holidays. Visit the Smith Family Farm, Swan House, and Wood Family Cabin to experience how Southerners celebrated Christmas during the pioneer days, the Civil War era, and the 1930s. Experience holiday traditions of years past with interpreters and special activities. Enjoy food for purchase and visit one of several cash bars for your favorite libation.

This special holiday program is sponsored by Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty; Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council. Additional support by Big John’s Christmas Trees; and Alliance Theater. 

 

Admission is $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers; $8 for all children. 

I had the pleasure of attending Candlelight Nights on December 4th. See highlights below:

 

Trimming the tree.

Carollers in the music room at the Swan House Museum.

Inside the Swan House Museum.

A romantic stroll.

Blacksmith at work.

Holiday lights.

Moonlight added a perfect touch.

A candle on the porch is most inviting.

Making ornaments.

She's watching mom place the baking sheet over an open fire.

Adult beverages.

Octave, Atlanta’s favorite female a cappella singing group performs holiday favorites.

Enjoying the tree.

Rudolph!

Brothers.

Sisters.

A mother's love.

Looking for Santa.

 

For more information about Atlanta History Center, visit www.atlantahistorycenter.com.

 

Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to the Fox Theatre Dec. 11 – 28