See the Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta as 2011 becomes 2012, with music provided by Kansas and many other performers. Photo: Elissa Eubanks, eeubanks@ajc.com

FRIDAY
Music: Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers are up next in the new “Eddie Owen Presents” series at the Red Clay Theatre and Arts Center in Duluth. The show starts at 8 p.m.  Dec. 30 .

Music: Formerly Atlanta-based, and now working out of Northern California, Sound Tribe Sector 9 mixes the electronic thump of club music and hip-hop, the experimental explorations of jazz and the elasticity of a jam band. The band is in the midst of a five-night stand at the Tabernacle, which continues through Dec. 31.

Comedy: Atlanta favorite and former local resident Tom Simmons brings his stand-up comedy to the Laughing Skull Lounge this weekend. He’ll perform nightly Dec. 29 through Jan. 1, with special pricing for the New Year’s Eve show.

Comedy: Amy Schumer has appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and Comedy Central’s …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Dec. 30-Jan. 1 »

Dutch Monkey Doughnuts in Cumming was your pick for best cinnamon rolls in and around Atlanta. The cinnamon knots (as they're known at Dutch Monkey) are just one of many tasty treats available at this acclaimed shop. Photo: Becky Stein / Special

YOUR PICKS
1. Dutch Monkey Doughnuts
You say, “Without question the yummiest cinnamon roll around. We had a pan on Christmas Morning and present opening halted- in fact came to a screeching halt when they came out of the oven!!!!!” and “If I can’t make them, then Dutch Monkey in Cumming must. They will even make them for you and send them home for you to bake! That’s the way to get that delicious cinnamon smell!”

2. Highland Bakery
3. Mary Mac’s Tea Room
4. Ikea
5. Sweet Eddie’s

Gabriel's in Marietta is the place to get the best cinnamon rolls in and around Atlanta, says dining contributor Jenny Turknett. Photo: Phil Skinner, pskinner@ajc.com

OUR PICKS
1. Gabriel’s
The AJC dining team’s specialist in Southern and Neighborhood Fare …

Continue reading Best cinnamon rolls »

The Band Perry, shown here opening for Tim McGraw at Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood earlier this year, will play a free concert at Atlantic Station. Photo: Robb D. Cohen / www.robbsphotos.com

FRIDAY
Music: The new Winter Wonder Jam series concludes at 7 p.m. Dec. 23 at Atlantic Station with the Band Perry.

Holiday, dance: Atlanta Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker, “ a long-running holiday tradition, continues at the Fox Theatre through Christmas Eve, with two shows Dec. 23 and a final 1 p.m. performance on Dec. 24.

Performing arts: “Odysseo” is an equestrian ballet that is a lavish blend of multimedia and performing arts. From one of the co-founders of Cirque du Soleil, the show just extended its run under the big tent near Spring and 8th streets through Jan. 15. There are no shows Christmas Day, but there are performances at 8 p.m. Dec. 23 and 3 p.m. Dec. 24. Check out our review of the show.

Stage: The bratty Herdman kids bully their way into the annual Christmas …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Dec. 23-25 »

The fried goat cheese with honey and black pepper is the perfect way to start a meal at the bar at Ecco, your pick for best place to eat at the bar in and around Atlanta. Photo: Elissa Eubanks, eeubanks@ajc.com

YOUR PICKS
1. Ecco
You say, “Ecco with Eric mixing the drinks and some of the best food in town. Grilled Octopus –yum” and “Ecco is Atlanta’s absolute best!”

2. Manuel’s Tavern
3. Brick Store Pub
4. Leon’s Full Service
5. Porter Beer Bar

La Tavola Trattoria is our pick for best place to dine at the bar. One major reason? Knowledgeable and welcoming bartender Alli Royce Soble, who's been behind the bar at the Fifth Group restaurant for more than 11 years. Photo: Alli Royce Soble

OUR PICKS

Have a Campari with Alli. It's her favorite. Photo: Alli Royce Soble

1. La Tavola Trattoria
The AJC dining team’s specialist in International Cuisine Gene Lee says, “Take a warm neighborhood bar, pair it with delicious Italian food, add the coolest bartender you’ll meet in metro …

Continue reading Best place to dine at the bar »