The Big ToDo: Our Big Arts Calendar for December
By CARRIE BETH WALLACE
cwallace@ledger-enquirer.com
-DECEMBER-
MUSIC
'DECK THE HALLS': CSU Choral Union and University Singers present joyous program of seasonal music. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Legacy Hall, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Free. 706-649-7225 or music.columbusstate.edu
PIANO STUDIO RECITAL: The students of Alexander Kobrin present their studio recital. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Legacy Hall, RiverCenter. Free. 706-649-7225 or music.columbusstate.edu
CSU BAROQUE CONSORTIUM CANTATA: The Baroque Consortium presents "Uns ist ein Kind Geboren" by J.S. Bach. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 4700 Armour Road. Free. 706-649-7225 or music.columbusstate.edu
CSU CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE: Adventurous new music from CSU student chamber ensembles. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Studio Theater, RiverCenter. Free. 706-649-7225 or music.columbusstate.edu
SCHWOB CONCERTO COMPETITION: The final round of the school's concerto competition featuring the top students from the school. 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6, Legacy Hall, RiverCenter. Free. 706-649-7225 or music.columbusstate.edu
CSU TROMBONE ENSEMBLE: Studio recital of one of the top collegiate trombone ensembles in the country. 4 p.m. Dec. 6, Legacy Hall, RiverCenter. Free. 706-649-7225 or music.columbusstate.edu
DOUBLE REED STUDIO RECITAL: Students of Dr. Susan Tomkiewicz and Dr. Ron Wirt present solo and chamber music for oboe and bassoon. 6 p.m. Dec. 6. Legacy Hall, RiverCenter. Free. 706-649-7225 or music.columbusstate.edu
GENERAL'S CONCERT: The Fort Benning Commanding General's Holiday Concert is performed by the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band, which will feature a variety of holiday favorites. 4 p.m. Dec. 6. RiverCenter, 900 Broadway. Free concert but tickets required. They're available at the RiverCenter's box office or Fort Benning MWR Tickets and Travel Office.
GUITAR AND VOICE RECITAL: Duets for guitar and voice will be presented in this recital. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Legacy Hall, RiverCenter. Free. 706-649-7225 or music.columbusstate.edu
CANTUS CHRISTMAS: A Columbus holiday tradition of recounting the Christmas story with classical masterpieces. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Heard Theatre, RiverCenter. $34. 706-256-3612 or rivercenter.org
THEATER
'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST': Tony Award-winning hit show, Springer style. Opens Dec. 3 and runs through Dec. 20, Springer Opera House. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. $20-$45. 706-327-3688 or springeroperahouse.org
'JUNIE B. JONES JINGLE BELLS, SANTA SMELLS': CSU presents a holiday family show. Dec. 3-6, CSU's Riverside Theatre. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3-5, plus 10 a.m. Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6. $5-$10. 706-507-8444 or theatre.columbusstate.edu
'RAGTIME': A timeless celebration of life. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Heard Theatre, RiverCenter. $44.50-$54.50. 706-256-3612 or rivercenter.org
PERFORMANCE DANCE CENTRE PRESENTS 'THE NUTCRACKER': Local dance studio presents a production of 'The Nutcracker.' 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Columbus Convention and Trade Center. 801 Front Avenue. $15 for children and $20 for adults in advance, $18 for children and $22 for adults at the door. 706-563-4255 or performancedancega.com
'A TUNA CHRISTMAS': The Christmas Phantom is on the loose again! Opens Dec. 10 and runs through Dec. 23, Springer Opera House. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10-12, 17-19, and 21-23, and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20. $17-$37. 706-327-3688 or springeroperahouse.org
COLUMBUS BALLET PRESENTS 'THE NUTCRACKER': The Columbus Ballet presents Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Heard Theatre, RiverCenter. $15. columbusballet.net
'FANCY NANCY': Based on the book "Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas." 7 p.m. Dec. 15, Heard Theatre, RiverCenter. $19. 706-256-3612 or rivercenter.org
FINE ART
'PALEO TO PRESENT: THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF FORT BENNING AND THE CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY': Take a closer look at the native inhabitants of our region and explore their impact on Fort Benning. Through Feb. 28, Yarbrough Gallery, Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road. Free. 706-748-2562 or columbusmuseum.com.
'ROMANTIC SPIRITS: NINETEENTH-CENTURY PAINTINGS OF THE SOUTH FROM THE JOHNSON COLLECTION': Thirty-eight paintings on loan from the Johnson Collection which include works by Thomas Sully, Washington Allston, Charles Bird King, Junius Brutus Stearns, William Dickinson Washington, and Robert Walter Weir. Through March 6, Third Floor Galleries, Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road. Free. 706-748-2562 or columbusmuseum.com.
CSU THESIS ART EXHIBITION: Works from actual art students. Opens Nov. 31 and runs through Dec. 12, Illges Gallery, CSU's Corn Center. 706-507-8300 or art.columbusstate.edu
26TH ANNUAL MASTER CIRCLE DINNER: The Columbus Museum patrons' holiday soirée and benefit. 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road. Prices vary with museum membership. 706-748-2562 or columbusmuseum.com.
YOUNG ARTS PATRONS HOLIDAY SOCIAL: Celebrate the holidays amidst the fine art of Bo Bartlett, Betsy Eby, Najee Dorsey and Fred and Cathy Fussell. 6 p.m. Dec. 9, The Lofts of Swift Mill, 1506 Sixth Ave. $15 non-members, $10 for members. 706-748-2562 or columbusmuseum.com.
OUTDOOR EVENTS
FANTASY IN LIGHTS: If you like holiday lights, it doesn't get any better than this. Don't forget to stop and tell Santa what you want for Christmas before you leave. Through Dec. 31, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain. Prices vary. 800-852-3810 or www.callawaygardens.com
CHRISTMAS AND FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA: Phenix City Parks and Recreation presents this holiday event which will include a Christmas stage production, performances by Elite Dance Academy and the Central High School Red Devils Marching Band and will end with fireworks over the Chattahoochee. 7 p.m. Dec. 3, Phenix City Amphitheater. Free. 334-291-4719
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK: A family-friendly monthly art event where local artists and vendors display and sell their wares downtown. 4:30-10 p.m. Dec. 4, 1000 Block of Broadway. www.facebook.com/ColumbusFirstFridayArtWalk
FIRST FRIDAY FOOD TRUCK FUN NIGHT: Phenix City Parks and Recreation will have gourmet food trucks and live music at this holiday family event. 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 4, The Chattahoochee Brewing Company on 13th Street. Free with a suggested donation to benefit the Foster Parent System. 334-291-4719.
BI-CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE: No holiday season is complete without the Christmas Parade. Get there early to claim a good spot. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Dec. 5, Corner of Broadway & 9th, Colin Powell Parkway. Free. 334-291-4719.
CHRISTMAS AT MOON LAKE OPENING CARNIVAL: Enjoy holiday decorations and a carnival at Moon Lake Park. 4p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 10, Admission is free, but activities are not. 334-291-4719.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: A puppet show, breakfast, and a visit with Santa. Dec. 12, Phenix City Central Activity Center, 1500 14th Street. $2 per person. Reservations required. Call
334-291-4743 for reservations.
MUSEUM INFORMATION
COLUMBUS MUSEUM: Temporary exhibits and a large permanent collection of art and historical artifacts. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. 1251 Wynnton Road. Free. 706-748-2562 or columbusmuseum.com.
W.C. BRADLEY CO. MUSEUM: Showcases the company's rich history. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, with tours by appointment. 1017 Front Street. Free. 706-571-3415.
MA RAINEY BLUES MUSEUM: Restored private home of Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, the mother of blues. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10-3 p.m. Closed Monday. 805 Fifth Avenue. 706-653-4960.
NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM: Immersive exhibits featuring the history of 239 years of infantry service. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. 1775 Legacy Way. Free. 706-685-5800 or nationalinfantrymuseum.org.
NATIONAL CIVIL WAR NAVAL MUSEUM AT PORT COLUMBUS: Large collection of Civil War Naval artifacts and archives. Permanent exhibit includes the largest surviving Confederate warship. Hours: 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 1002 Victory Drive. $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and military, $6 for students, free for children 6 and under. 706-327-9798 or portcolumbus.org.
COLUMBUS BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES: Focuses on important African-American individuals who shaped the history of Columbus. Hours are 2- 6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 315 Eighth Street. $5 donation. 706-507-3466.
COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY'S COCA-COLA SPACE SCIENCE CENTER: Interactive exhibits, omnisphere theater, and displays educate visitors on the science of space. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Closed on Sunday. 701 Front Avenue. $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and military, $4 for children ages 4-12, $3 with CSU ID. 706-649-1478 or ccssc.org.
ILLGES GALLERY, CORN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS: Hours are 12 noon- 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 12 noon- 6 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday, Monday and School Holidays. 6 West 10th Street. Use Front Street entrance. Free. 706-507-8301 or art.columbusstate.edu.
This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The Big ToDo: Our Big Arts Calendar for December ."