Sound Menu December 14 2005

THURS/15

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORUS That revered tradition of the season, the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” is conducted by Norman Mackenzie. Yeah, lots of people do it each year, but nobody in the Southeast does it as well. $19-$55. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. — Mark Gresham

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GUY Nowadays, if you rock the high-top fade that Guy used to sport back in the day, you won’t even hear about a hot club, much less get in. But in the early ’90s, brothers Aaron and Damion Hall and Teddy Riley had the game on lock, all the way from “Groove Me” to their last big hit, “Let’s Chill.” The new jack swing days are over, but you can relive that era when the members of Guy take center stage at the Sol-Fusion party to perform their greatest hits. Just don’t wear any funny haircuts. Call for price. 10 p.m. Vision. 404-874-4460. www.visionatlanta.com. — Mosi Reeves

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M.A.N.D.Y. German DJ/production duo M.A.N.D.Y. represents for the Berlin-based, Frankfurt-bred Get Physical label. You know that right off the bat because of how physically consuming the act of typing five periods into the damn name every time is. But past that, the music of M.A.N.D.Y. and the label is physical in its own right, a brand of anthemic, minimal electro-house that respires a ravenous and ragged pulse and at its best grips you for some rude rutting like a Vulcan mindmeld fueled by bloodlust. Forget those cheesy sitcoms ads, because this is a special episode of “Cleaning Up the Dirty South.” Call for price. 10 p.m. The Mark. 678-904-0050. www.themarkatlanta.com. — Tony Ware

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FRI/16

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ANNA KRAMER, HOT YOUNG PRIEST Kramer’s songs waft between strident rock and melancholy country swagger, drawing comparisons to disparate acts the Kinks and Gram Parsons. Her timeless merger of mod and American thrust, filtered through an alluring voice and raw strumming resonates with distinction. Atlanta prog-pop power trio Hot Young Priest runs through a collection of songs both old and new. $6. 9 p.m. Lenny’s. 404-577-7721. www.lennysbar.com. — Chad Radford

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DJ SPINNA If there is anyone who has lured hip-hop heads back to the wonders of house music and convinced them it’s not just a “gay thing,” it’s DJ Spinna. As a master producer and DJ, Spinna mixes the best of both worlds, making music imbued with nod factor and dance rhythm. His current thing, a series of parties centered on Stevie Wonder’s music, are the latest feather in his cap. $5. 10 p.m. Django. 404-347-8648. www.djangoatlanta.com. — MR

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MIKE CROSS The always entertaining Cross is an archetype — the traveling troubadour with a guitar-full of great songs and an endearing onstage persona. He carries the torch for traditional folk music, but delivers much more. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. $22.50. 8:30 p.m. Red Light Café. 404-874-7828. www.redlightcafe.com. — James Kelly

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THE HISS, THE GENDERS, THE COGBURNS Yeah, hard-hitting local garage rockers the Hiss is the headliner, but how many rock ‘n’ roll bands can you name from Israel? The Genders are one of ‘em. Be sure to request their “When I Grow Up (I Wanna Be a Fuckin’ Stoner).” Ah yes, inspirational music from the Holy Land, just in time for the season of lighting up. And speaking of festive, those manic Cogburns should be declared a legal holiday. $7. 9:30 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — Lee Valentine Smith

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SONORAMIC COMMANDO Newlywed Rodney Bell makes his return to the stage with the reconfigured Commandos, in a holiday extravaganza that kicks off Jake’s Rockabilly weekend. Also appearing are Mark Harper’s Optimus Club, and local newcomers The Broken Spokes. You can bet there will be a twangin’ good time. Bring an unwrapped toy for good karma. Call for price. 9 p.m. Jake’s Toadhouse. 404-633-8090. www.jakesroadhouse.net. — JK

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BOB MARGOLIN His years as a young, gun-slinging guitarist backing up Muddy Waters are long behind him, but Margolin keeps the spirit of working-class Chicago blues alive. He’s played with many of the legends in his field and has never left the road, pumping out gutsy, no frills, rootsy blues like the journeyman he is. Local artists might sit in and spice up the set even more. Call for price. 10 p.m. and midnight. Darwin’s. 770-578-6872. www.darwinsblues.com. — Hal Horowitz

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10TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS BENEFIT Jim Stacy trots out his Shitty Claus guise to host this two-night romp with proceeds benefiting the Marines’ admirable Toys for Tots campaign. Rockin’ ravers Bitch headline tonight and Yule Log burns brightly tomorrow night. A stocking overflowing with special guests will help make the season bright. Bring a new, sealed toy for admission; $10-$15 donation encouraged. 9 p.m. Star Bar. 404-681-9018. www.starbar.net. — LVS

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SAT/17

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ATLANTA CELTIC CHRISTMAS James Flannery directs and hosts this annual Christmas celebration of dance, poetry, song and story from Celtic traditions and their Appalachian descendants. $10-$25. 8 p.m. Schwartz Center. 404-727-5050. arts.emory.edu. — MG

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORUS See Sound Menu listing for Thurs., Dec. 16, $19-$55. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. — MG

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KAZELL Atlanta gets its share of progressive house, sometimes at the expense of other forms of dance music. But hey, as long as the DJ’s good, right? Next up to bat is Kevin Bazell, aka Kazell, a Los Angeles producer with a growing reputation for spinning tracks that move bodies. Thank (or blame) Liquified Productions for this one. $10. 9 p.m. Eleven50. 404-874-0428. www.eleven50.com. — MR

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MAKE BELIEVE, THE OCCASION, CINEMECHANICA Culled from the ashes of Chicago’s post-rock/emocore outfit Joan of Arc, Make Believe careens between an erratic punk rumble and an off-kilter prog-rock power. Whether plowing through personal or political strife, the group confronts its demons with poetic muscle. Athens’ Cinemechanica unleashes angular post-punk grooves that evoke everyone from Drive Like Jehu to Milemarker. New York stoner punks the Occasion is also on the bill. $7. 9 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — CR

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10TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS BENEFIT See Sound Menu listing for Fri., Dec. 16. Bring a new, sealed toy for admission; $10-$15 donation encouraged. 9 p.m. Star Bar. 404-681-9018. www.starbar.net. — LVS

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SUN/18

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THE ANDY WILLIAMS CHRISTMAS SHOW Long associated with songs of the season, the Branson, Mo.-based “Emperor of Easy” returns to town with his spectacular holiday extravaganza for a matinee performance. Great songs, wholesome comedy, dancing reindeer and, yes, the 78-year-old crooner/television pioneer may even break out his hilarious Christmas rap if the mood strikes. Fun for the whole family. $50-$58.50. 5 p.m. Atlanta Civic Center. 404-658-7159. www.atlantaciviccenter.com. — LVS

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ATLANTA CELTIC CHRISTMAS See Sound Menu listing for Sat., Dec. 17. $10-$25. 8 p.m. Schwartz Center. 404-727-5050. arts.emory.edu. — MG

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JOE GRANSDEN’S HOLIDAY SPECIAL From cool West Coast jazz to hard bop, Atlanta trumpeter/vocalist Gransden and his band make popular holiday tunes swing, and croon mid-20th-century yuletide ballads like “The Christmas Song” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” $20. 3 p.m. Spivey Hall. 770-960-4200. www.spiveyhall.org. — MG

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RICKY SKAGGS BLUE GRASS HOLIDAY Proclaiming that there’s more to Xmas than presents, bluegrass spokesman Skaggs will be singing a slew of “Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus”-type tunes, along with his talented wife and kids. When he lays off the testifying and simply plays, the man is amazing. $25-$35. Atlanta Symphony Hall. 8 p.m. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. — JK

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WED/21

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JANE SIBERRY Whether it’s classical, folk, experimental musings, jazz or soundtrack music for both the Care Bears and Wim Wenders, Canadian thrush Siberry has been impossible to pigeonhole throughout her 25-year career. She has released two albums of suitably eclectic Christmas songs, so expect some diverse holiday cheer thrown in. Otherwise, the open-minded will be rewarded with an unusual show performed by a truly unconventional artist. $25. 8 p.m. Red Light Café. 404-874-7828. www.redlightcafe.com. — HH

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TORCHE, FIEND WITHOUT A FACE, ZOROASTER Vocalist/guitarist Steve Brooks and guitarist Juan Montoya of the now-defunct Miami stoner metal act Floor return to Atlanta to carry the flame of their new group, Torche. Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds leads Fiend Without a Face through a blend of reverb-drenched surf and rockabilly strums and twangs framed by a campy, B-movie motif. Atlanta headbanger crew Zoroaster opens the show. $8. 9 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — CR

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THURS/22

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EDDIE SHAW & THE WOLF GANG Old-school tenor saxophonist Shaw is a big man with a big honkin’ horn. Best known for his years as band leader behind Howlin’ Wolf, much of his set is comprised of Wolf classics, which is as close as you’ll get to hearing the real thing. A terrific entertainer, Shaw typically gets hotter as the evening wears on. Stay for both sets. Call for price. 9 p.m. Blind Willie’s. 404-873-2583. www.blindwilliesblues.com. — HH

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HIVE Drum and bass cats always talk about how hard their sound is. But L.A. producer Hive really is the No. 1 hard-stepper. After all, he knows his hip-hop — and everyone knows hip-hop is the hardest music there is — having once co-owned Celestial Recordings, one of the most experimental rap labels ever. I mean, his current venture is called Violence Recordings, for Pete’s sake. Vicious Circle, Riot Squad, and D:RC help perpetuate the madness. $10. 10 p.m. The Mark. 678-904-0500. www.themarkatlanta.com. — MR

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· Check out our website at atlanta.creativeloafing.com. Click the “Music” category for a full selection of Soundboard events. CL online provides the address, a map and directions from your location.

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· Bands/performers/venues wishing to be included in Sound Menu’s noted-acts boxes may send recordings, press material and schedules two weeks in advance to Creative Loafing c/o Heather Kuldell, P.O. Box 54223, Atlanta, GA 30308, or e-mail information to: heather.kuldell@creativeloafing.com. To be included in the listings only, e-mail venue and band schedules by Friday at noon (for the issue that comes out the following Thursday) to soundboard@creativeloafing.com