By Daniel Jumpertz
Special to DNAinfo
Need a plan for the holiday festivities and a break from shopping and the daily grind? This week our city plays host to many extra special celebrations that run the gamut from family-friendly (The Annual Winter Solstice Concert) to X-rated (A John Waters Christmas), and those that fall somewhere in between (A Twisted Christmas Extravaganza). So put down the mouse and go have some fun.
Wednesday, December 14
Louisville, Ky., country-tinged classic rockers My Morning Jacket play epic tunes well suited to the cavernous space of Madison Square Garden. Their latest album, "Circuital," was another international hit, peaking at No. 5 on the U.S. album charts earlier this year. Also playing, Band Of Horses, whose 2010 effort "Infinite Arms" was nominated for a Grammy.
Thursday, December 15: GIG OF THE WEEK
Rufus and Martha Wainwright present the family-enriched, star-studded fundraising festive show "A Not So Silent Night." Featuring the music of Anna McGarrigle, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Loudon Wainwright III, Sloan Wainwright, Teddy Thompson, Jenni Muldaur, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Joan Wasser (Joan As Policewoman) and The Kate McGarrigle Tribute Band at The Town Hall. All VIP package proceeds benefit the Sarcoma Foundation of America’s Kate McGarrigle Sarcoma Research Fund.
Friday, December 16
The 32nd Annual Winter Solstice Concert, featuring The Paul Winter Consort and special guests including gospel singer Theresa Thomason, African mbira master Chris Berry, and the 28-member Forces of Nature Dance Theatre Ensemble. Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave.
Saturday, December 17
"A Twisted Christmas Extravaganza" sees '80s metal/knuckleheads Twisted Sister performing songs from their 2006 heavy metal Christmas album "A Twisted Christmas." And maybe "We're Not Gonna Take It." But only if you've been a good audience! At Best Buy Theater.
Sunday, December 18
Hip-hop revolutionaries Wu Tang Clan (Method Man, RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa) bring the sounds of Staten Island to Best Buy Theater.
Monday, December 19
"A John Waters Christmas" is putting the "X" in X-mas. Waters's rapid-fire monologues explore traditional archetypes while sharing a fanaticism for Santa and an unhealthy love of true-crime horror stories. At B.B. King Blues Club & Grill.
Tuesday, December 20
Marianne Faithfull has almost done it all. From a '60s "it" girl and film and pop star (she had a hit with "As Tears Go By," written for her by her boyfriend Mick Jagger and Keith Richards), she hit the skids in the '70s only to resurrect her singing career in 1979 with the album she described as her masterpiece, "Broken English." This show includes songs from throughout her career, as well as tracks from her well-received new album, "Horses and High Heels". The album was recorded in New Orleans, featuring guest musicians Lou Reed, Dr. John and MC5's Wayne Kramer.
Also Sunday and Monday, at City Winery.
