What to see, do and hear: Indigo Girls, comedy improv, “Broom Thing,” more

MUSIC

It’s become an annual tradition for Michelle Malone to usher in the upcoming year with a New Year’s Eve show at Eddie’s Attic. This year there are two shows. The early-bird special at 8 p.m. features an acoustic show, with Malone performing with fellow singer-songwriter Boo Ray. The 10 p.m. show will feature Malone’s full band, plus Boo Ray. Tickets start at $35.

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Kevin Scott’s All Star Holiday Revival December 23 at the Variety Playhouse promises to be nirvana to funk and jam-band fans. Scott has laid down the bass for Colonel Bruce Hampton and Jimmy Herring, and he has put together a lineup that includes legendary drummer Bernard Purdie, guitarist Grant Green Jr., Matt Slocum and many others. Joining them will be special guests Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band and Cody Matlock. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

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The Indigo Girls celebrate New Year’s Eve with a concert at Symphony Hall with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The folk duo started in Atlanta in the 1980s and have reached iconic status as their career approaches its fourth decade. Emily Saliers and Amy Ray began collaborating with orchestras in 2012 and have played more than 50 performances with symphonies across America. This show was originally scheduled for 2021 and postponed due to Covid. Tickets from last year will be honored. Tickets start at $39.

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The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus performs its annual ritual of Handel’s Messiah (Part 1) on December 22 at Symphony Hall. Norman Mackenzie, director of choruses, will lead the performance, which will also include Vivaldi’s Gloria. Featured guests are soprano Jessica Rivera, mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor, tenor Miles Mykkanen and bass-baritone Lawson Anderson.

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Savannah native Anthony David met a then-unknown singer-songwriter named India.Arie in the late 1990s, and the two became friends and collaborators. Anthony co-wrote songs on her first three albums and sang backup for her on tour. David released his debut album, 3 Chords & The Truth, in 2004 and continues to explore the acoustic soul sound that Arie helped create. He performs December 22 and 23 at City Winery, both shows at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30.

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THEATER 

Take a break from holiday-themed everything and see The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane through Saturday evening, December 24, at Synchronicity Theatre. ArtsATL critic Benjamin Carr writes that it is a “well-constructed, lovingly staged show . . . full of heart.” Tickets start at $26 for adults, with discounts available. 

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Fit in a final laugh for 2022 on Saturday, December 31, with New Year’s Eve Improv at Dad’s Garage. Back this year after a pandemic hiatus, shows are scheduled at 7 p.m. for the early birds or 10 p.m. for night owls. Both shows include a champagne toast. Tickets start at $30, and the bar opens at 6 p.m. for all patrons. 

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TV + FILM

Snuggle up with snacks and catch the Netflix premiere of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, with Atlanta-based actor and singer Janelle Monáe. Debuting December 23, this film features a group of friends on a private island owned by a tech entrepreneur for a murder-mystery weekend — but not everyone makes it out alive. ArtsATL’s critic and editor at large Jim Farmer writes that Monáe “takes her work seriously and always prepares,” adding her performance to the recent “number of strong Black women on screen, from The Woman King to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” 

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ART + DESIGN

The busy holiday season isn’t known for its simplicity, but TEW Galleries’ current group exhibit may help. Peaceable Kingdom, through January 15, is inspired by Quaker artist Edward Hicks (1780-1849) who used art to reconcile his spiritual outlook, religious beliefs and a preference for simplicity with his artistic ambitions. It is interesting to note that in the 1820s, Quakers, also known as Society of Friends, suffered a severe rift, similar to the schism that the United States is going through today. The exhibit depicts a menagerie of animals living peacefully together in works created by 11 artists — two of whom, Aimeé Hoover and Martin Kahnle, are exhibiting at TEW for the first time.

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Cat Eye Creative gallery downtown is featuring a solo exhibit by Atlanta painter Erin Nicole Henry. Open Window Kisses is a celebration of women and the power of femininity. Henry uses the earthy tones of late Renaissance and Baroque art and ultra-bright saturated colors to illustrate the women portrayed as living in technicolor.  Through January 14.

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The High Museum of Art has something for everyone this season, from the sensuality of Rodin sculptures to dazzling works by Iranian artist Monir Farmanfarmaian, but Stephen Burks: Shelter in Place is also worth checking out. The African American designer explores ideas of domesticity and has forged a unique path by advocating for innovation through hand-production. His work embraces art, architecture and design, synthesizing craft, community and industry. And some of the pieces are just plain fun. Through March 5.