This Weekend's Best Bets: Dec. 4-6

The holiday season is getting into full swing. With Turkey Day and Black Friday safely behind us and snow predicted to fall fast, start working on that holiday cheer at a concert, theatre production or art sale.

1. ROCK BAND, NOT FRYING PAN: The high-energy rock band Skillet will be playing at the Deltaplex Sunday, Dec. 6 with Hawk Nelson and Decyfer Down at 7 p.m. Skillet’s latest album, Awake, has been receiving attention from college football to MTV to WrestleMania; $20-$45; more info here or read Revue’s article here

2. NEW TRADITIONAL: For the thirteenth year in a row, ten local singers and songwriters will be gathering at Wealthy Theatre Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. for A Winter’s Tune, a round robin style concert with new and traditional songs for the holidays; $10-$15; more info here or read Revue’s article here

3. TRUE CLASSIC: Catch the whimsical production of the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker that has been touring the U.S. for 16 years at Muskegon’s Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts Monday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; $27.50-$99; more info here or read Revue’s article here

4. PASS THE HAGGIS: Join Battle Creek’s Arcadia Brewing Company in celebrating its 13th year at its Scottish Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 5 starting at 5 p.m. A Scottish food menu and highland bagpipes, as well as the debut of Cereal City Ale, will set the mood; $5; more info here

5. MORE HARDCORE: If one Christian band isn’t enough for you, rock out with Underoath and special guests August Burns Red and Emery playing the Orbit Room Friday, Dec. 4. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; $20-$23; more info here or read Revue’s article here

6. BETRAYED: The Eight: Reindeer Monologues is a gutsy departure from traditional Christmas productions. Santa’s reindeer confess the truth about Jolly St. Nick, including some shocking allegations about his sexual behavior. Hear their tales at the Epic Theatre in Kalamazoo Friday, Dec 4 at 8 p.m. through Dec. 19; $10-$20; more info here


7. SUPERBAND: WPA, the conglomerate band of Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and Fiction Family as well as Luke Bulla of Lyle Lovett, will play the Ladies Literary Club Friday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. Opening for WPA is Ralston Bowles, often called “the godfather of the West Michigan acoustic scene;” $5-$10; more info here

8. FA LA LA: A Grand Rapids tradition, the Fifth Third Holiday Pops concert begins Thursday, Dec. 3, with performances on Friday, Dec. 4 at 8, Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. Joining the symphony is the Symphony Chorus, Baritone Leon Williams and, at select performances, the Symphony Junior Youth Chorus; $18-$90; more info here

9. PUT THE ART BACK IN CHRISTMAS: The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts is holding its 21st annual Holiday Artists’ Market on Friday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free parking, free admission, a children’s workshop, snacks, a cash bar and unique works by local artists are all great reasons to head downtown; more info here

Good Bets: the Henhouse Prowlers are performing at Bell’s Eccentric Café on Saturday, Dec. 5; more info here…a WMU student organization is showcasing students’ talents with a fashion show Friday and Saturday; more info here…the finals of battle of the bands Project: Encore will be held Friday, Dec. 5 at the Whiskey Lounge; more info here