TIS THE SEASON

December is one of my favorite months of the year. The hot and humid days of summer are nothing more than a memory and Thanksgiving has come and gone. While the commercial celebration of the holidays seems to happen earlier and earlier each year, December marks the beginning of my personal “holiday season”.

Fall is an incredibly busy time of year in the music industry. Tours are abundant, album releases are aplenty and there are numerous artists on the road touring in support of their new products. However, this chaotic world starts to wind down once December arrives and there is a noticeable difference in the number of live music events that take place during the month.

On the business side of things, the focus shifts to holiday parties, family gatherings and personal travel while there is a mad rush to finalize upcoming plans for tours and performances throughout the first quarter of 2010. Because of this, the first two weeks of December can be a bit trying but the last half of the month generally serves as a nice break from an often tumultuous world. Once January hits, it’s back to work as usual and the selection of things to do on one’s musical menu will undoubtedly be filled with a profusion of options once again.
In the meantime, let’s talk about what is happening this December at a music venue near you …

HEAR ME OUT
Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys—Stanley is a legendary banjo player that has too many accolades and contributions to list. Stanley’s career spans almost 60 years and he has performed on more than 170 albums, tapes, and CDs. He is, without a doubt, bluegrass royalty. Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys return to Birmingham for a very special and intimate performance on the first Friday of the month. WorkPlay Theatre, Friday, December 4

Daughtry—With his American Idol days behind him, Chris Daughtry made a name for himself (and his band) in the rock arena by releasing the quickest selling rock debut in Soundscan history (Daughtry, 2006). After that initial release, there was no looking back. Daughtry started with clubs and theaters and now sets up shop inside some of the biggest arenas in the U.S. BJCC, Friday, December 4.

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones—Bela Fleck helped change the way a younger generation viewed bluegrass back in 1988 when he formed the Flecktones. Fleck is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most innovative and technically proficient banjo players. Toss a couple of Wootens into the mix (amazing bass player Victor and brother Roy “Future Man” Wooten) and you have a recipe for an evening of music that will please even the most discerning palate. Alys Stephens Center, Wednesday, December 9.

Black Jacket Symphony—How many times have you played your favorite record from start to finish? For those Zepplin fans that have done this, or that still do it from time to time, this is one show that you don’t want to miss. Black Jacket Symphony is a concept that takes a studio album and transforms it into a live concert; note for note. This month’s appearance will mark Black Jacket Symphony’s third time at WorkPlay and will feature a performance of Led Zeppelin IV in its entirety. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the holidays than with a select group of the region’s finest musicians performing some of the best music ever recorded. Well, maybe add some Egg Nog. WorkPlay Theatre, Friday, December 18.

Corey Smith—Corey Smith’s background is an interesting tale to say the least. Just eight years ago, Smith was teaching Social Studies at a high school outside of Atlanta. Fast forward eight years and he is performing in theaters across the country to more than respectably sized crowds. His lyrics are controversial to some but resonate with his devoted following. Alabama Theatre, Sunday, December 27.•