AMG Weekend Picks: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Old School Saturday, Josh Erwin and More!

You can tell everyone is dashing around this weekend doing last-minute holiday shopping, cleaning, cooking and the rest of it. Because this weekend sees Atlanta being a little on the quiet side for gigs, with the exception of a rockin’ holiday party gig or two, some great Christmas-themed shows and a few other gems that you should know about. And don’t forget about the on sales – Coldplay, Foster the People

Thursday, December 15 – Back Pockets at Star Bar

The lovely little weirdos that make up Back Pockets will be entertaining the crowds at the free Team Luis show at Star Bar tonight with Sleepy Genes and Major Love Event.

FREE

Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17 – A Charlie Brown Christmas at The EARL

Much-loved local musicians TT Mahony and Jeffrey Butzer join forces again for The EARL’s annual Charlie Brown Christmas shows.

Saturday, December 17 – Gospel Music at The Basement

Black Kids bassist Owen Holmes has been hard at work on a side project, and you can check out what he’s been up to in East Atlanta on Saturday night.

Saturday, December 17 – X-Mix at Star Bar

A ton of Atlanta musicians will be raising money for two great charities: Toys for Tots and Songs for Kids Foundation. Catch Lauren St. Jane & The Dead Westerns, Ben Deignan, Aerobics Cube, a super group performance by Bruce Butkovich, Chris Cox, Rob Hammersmith, and Jade Lemons, special performance by James Hall, Wolves and even Songs for Kids founder Josh Rifkind rocking out for two fab causes.

$10 or $5 with a toy

Saturday, December 17 – Old School Saturday at Georgia International Convention Center

Every month Old School Saturday gets people’s booties shaking with a wicked mix of ’80s and ’90s hip-hop and R&B hits. Get your smart shoes on and get down there!

Sunday December 18 – Josh Erwin & Michael Paynter at Eddie’s Attic

Packway Handle Band’s Michael Paynter and Josh Erwin show off their side project at Eddie’s Attic with songs that didn’t quite fit the band’s bluegrass M.O.

On Sales:

D.R.U.G.S. at The Loft, January 28 – on sale Friday, December 16

Tool at The Arena At Gwinnett Center, February 8 – on sale Friday, December 16

Mike Cooley (of Drive-By Truckers) at The EARL, February 22 and 23 – on sale Friday, December 16

Craig Finn (of The Hold Steady) at The EARL, March 5 – on sale Friday, December 16

Foster The People at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, June 7 – on sale Friday, December 16

Lady Antebellum: Own The Night 2012 World Tour at The Arena At Gwinnett Center, June 22 – on sale Friday, December 16

Coldplay at Philips Arena, July 2 – on sale Saturday, December 17