CRITIC'S PICKS: Hal Horowitz recommends for December, 2025

Mother's Finest

Fri & Sat., Dec. 26-27
Mother's Finest, Buckhead Theatre/Friday show/Saturday show - It's unlikely that when these Atlanta based funk-metalers appeared in 1977, they had any idea they would be an active concern nearly 50 years later. But their mash-up of hard rock and harder funk has never gone out of style and a recent comeback with much of the original band still alive and well has proven to be artistically and financially successful. MF just returned from a European tour which speaks to the band's international following, and are even headlining their own cruise in 2026. They're warmed up from shows last night at Eddie's Attic and will be primed for action at this larger venue. - Hal Horowitz

Noah Gundersen

Sun., Dec. 28
Noah Gundersen, Eddie's Attic - This Seattle-based indie folk singer has been releasing personal, ruminative music since 2008, but found his sweet spot on If This Is the End (2023). Mixing folk, subtle electronics and a composite of stripped down and more complex arrangements with his yearning vocals creates music of raw honesty and familiar truths. It should be perfect for the post-Christmas blues as we look forward to a new year of opportunities and reflection on what has just transpired. Often intense and always heartfelt, Gundersen's warm style and earnest sentiments dovetail with this venue's naturally cozy vibe. - Hal Horowitz

Widespread Panic at the Fox Theatre

Mon-Wed., Dec. 29, 30, 31
Widespread Panic, Fox Theater, Tuesday, Wednesday - It's another multi-night stand ending on New Year's Eve for Athens' journeyman jammers. At this point, no one needs to be reminded of the blues-influenced Panic's sound or popularity, especially in Atlanta where they have headlined almost since their 1988 debut. Dozens of live and far less studio albums later, they are still going strong with last year's Hellbound Queen studio set displaying how viable they remain, nearly 40 years after forming. Spread-heads will be out in force for these shows, as usual, but even newcomers will appreciate the sheer talent and inventiveness that has kept the rootsy band fresh and made them superstars in the jam genre they helped define. - Hal Horowitz

Umphrey's McGee at the Tabernacle

Tues. & Wed., Dec. 30-31
Umphrey's McGee, Tabernacle/Tuesday Show/NYE show - Any band that titles its debut studio album Greatest Hits Vol. 3 kicks off their career with a refreshingly dry sense of humor. Since Indiana's Umphrey's McGee is basically a jam sextet, that makes it even more pronounced. But these guys mix their instrumental improvisational wanderings with healthy doses of prog, funk, jazz, folk and even metal influences. They found their audience early and haven't stopped delivering a dizzying array of live and studio sets, cataloging the group's journey better than any Wikipedia entry could. The latest, Blueprints, documents various studio jams that turned into songs, aided by fan input. It's yet another twist in musical direction they are known for, and makes for inspired listening. This two-night stand will likely consist of different songs for each one, but that's not unusual since no two UM gigs are alike anyway. And maybe some of these moments will appear on a future release. Regardless, they are well worth a look, even if you're not a fan of the genre. - Hal Horowitz

Michelle Malone New Year’s Eve Show

Wed., Dec. 31
Michelle Malone, Eddie's Attic/10pm Show/Early Show - Even Atlanta Americana singer/songwriter/roots rocking mainstay Malone has probably lost count of how many New Year's Eve gigs she has played at this venue. As usual, there are two performances with separate admissions, and she usually chooses different songs for each. No matter which you attend, you'll get a cross-section of tunes from her forty-decade plus career steeped in red clay-infused music with strong swamp rocking influences. The latter is particularly evident in her most recent release, last year's terrific Southern Comfort. Don't miss one of this city's true icons, always in high gear for these special holiday shows. - Hal Horowitz

• Event Page
• Hal's December Picks
• Hal's Critic Page

Events Past

The English Beat

Mon., Dec. 1
The English Beat, City Winery - Dave Wakeling and whomever he hires to tour with him in his long-standing group returns to a city he must love because he plays here so often. Unbeknownst to most, The English Beat released a new-ish set of solid originals, Here We Go Love, in 2018. But they will likely stick to the perky sing-along hits from the three-album 1980-'82 run that put them on the punk/ska revival radar. This two-night stand speaks to their local popularity and seeing them in a smaller venue, albeit one without a dance floor, should be cool. - Hal Horowitz
 

Amythyst Kiah

Tues. Dec. 2
Amythyst Kiah, Eddie's Attic - Socio-political Americana folk/rocker Kiah's "Black Myself" song gained her well-deserved recognition in 2019 as a member of the Our Native Daughters collective. But the three solo albums that followed showed that she had plenty more originality ready to deliver. Her latest, Still + Bright, featuring guests Billy Strings, S.G. Goodman and ex-Atlanta rocker Butch Walker, effortlessly yet demonstrably combines social commentary with tough rocking songs and a booming voice and is arguably her best. Powerful stuff. - Hal Horowitz

Ryan Davis + The Roadhouse Band

Tues., Dec. 2
Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band, Arbor Labor Union, The EARL - As a well-regarded figure in the Louisville, Kentucky underground scene, singer/songwriter Davis made plenty of fans leading a few key outfits including State Champion. He went solo with the critically acclaimed Dancing on the Edge (2023), following it with this year's New Threats from the Soul. As implied by those titles, Davis' lyrics are poetically challenging and often cutting, even as his noir-ish Americana folk/rock and organic, rootsy melodies are deceptively easy on the ears and even commercially viable. His darkness goes down easy. - Hal Horowitz

Hayden Pedigo

Wed., Dec. 3
Hayden Pedigo, Jens Kuross, The Masquerade - Check out Haden Pedigo's musical genre and you'll often see it described as avant-garde folk. While that might seem like an oxymoron for predominantly instrumental acoustic guitar music that is sometimes relaxing, even bordering on the dreaded "new age" tag, his delicate melodies twist and slither in unusual enough directions to be considered edgy. Pedigo has released two albums this year, the most recent teaming him with noise-rockers Chat Pile adding a far darker, ominous and dangerous angle to his music. Opener Kuross' sparse, murky and dense guitar playing on his recent appropriately titled Crooked Songs, makes a logical opener. - Hal Horowitz

An Evening With David Byrne - Who is the Sky Tour

Tues. & Wed., Dec. 2-3
David Byrne, The Fox Theatre - Mr. Talking Head returns after an extensive tour and hundreds of Broadway performances of his critically acclaimed American Utopia show. He now presents a similar genre-pushing artistic stage setup - featuring 13 musicians, singers and dancers in constant motion - to support his recently released Who Is the Sky? Early reaction to the typically quirky string-enhanced music has been equally as praiseworthy as the previous production. Expect to hear most of the typically off-beat tunes from the current album along with creatively rearranged Heads' tunes that most of the audience will be waiting for. - Hal Horowitz
(Link to: Wednesday Show)

Grant-Lee Phillips

Thurs., Dec. 4
Grant-Lee Phillips, Eddie's Attic - Despite disbanding in 1999, Phillips remains best known for his work with the band Grant-Lee Buffalo. Their four critically acclaimed albums paved the way for Phillips to launch a lengthy solo career that has yielded a dozen rootsy, dreamy, singer/songwriter releases. His smooth, multi-octave voice, once appropriately described as "doe-eyed," and sweetly melodic tunes create a sort of folksy baroque pop. He will feature songs from some of them, including the heavily streamed "Mona Lisa," and a bunch from In the Hour of Dust, released just a few months ago. - Hal Horowitz

Jay Som

Fri. Dec. 5
Jay Som, Jahnah Camille, Aisle 5 - Belong is the title of the first set of new material from dulcet-voiced, dreamy-styled Jay Som in six years, but she has remained busy with other projects during that time. In particular, she helped produce boygenious and played bass on the tour supporting that band's The Record (2023). She returns with another batch of lush indie pop that combines folk and soft electronica to impressive effect. Early single "Past Lives" features a duet with Paramour's Hayley Williams and will likely be featured tonight along with other tracks from the new album. - Hal Horowitz

The Wildwoods

Fri. Dec. 5
The Wildwoods, Eddie's Attic - This string band trio hails from Lincoln, Nebraska and brings some of that crisp, clear air to the South. Expect lovely harmonies, tunes that bubble like a clear brook, and the sweet, simple sound of a threesome that likely has more than a few Peter, Paul and Mary albums in their collections. They'll be featuring tunes from a recent release, Dear Meadowlark, their fourth of lullaby-styled folk that goes down easy. And will likely play some selections from Christmas Through the Years (2024) too. Need a break from divisive politics? These folks are your elixir. - Hal Horowitz

Son Little With Special Guest Candi Jenkins

Sat. Dec. 6
Son Little, Candi Jenkins, Eddie's Attic - Multi-instrumentalist Aaron Livingston has been going under the Son Little name for at least a decade. He's best described as a neo-soul singer/songwriter, but brings elements of hip-hop, blues and pop into his diverse albums. He's got enough Prince in his voice to call that artist an influence, but Little's work, especially on Like Neptune (2022), is more introspective. Leave it to his official press release to gush that he's a "polyglot translator and rightful torchbearer of the celebrated musical tradition known as rhythm and blues." Little is touring solo to promote an upcoming album, due early next year, which will likely be previewed tonight. - Hal Horowitz

Atlanta Blues Society Holiday Party

Sun., Dec. 7
Atlanta Blues Society Holiday Party, Dorothy C. Benson Complex - The ABS continues its annual holiday shindig at this Sandy Springs venue. And although the late co-coordinator George Klein and his wife won't be present this year for the first time, there will be plenty of memories for all to share about how much of a force he was on the local blues scene. Music, as usual, is provided by winners of the Atlanta Blues Challenge (Scott Low and Blue Velvet Atlanta), and even without the Kleins, this will be a memorable afternoon. Note the early 3 PM start time. - Hal Horowitz

Darrell Scott

Sun., Dec. 7
Darrell Scott, Eddie's Attic - No matter how many times Scott has played Eddie's stage over the years, and it seems that's every few months, each show is different. And he's so prolific, with about an album a year, there are usually few duplicated songs. No other musicians can boast of having toured supporting Robert Plant and Zac Brown, which speaks to multi-instrumentalist Scott's diverse talents and influences. He recently produced an album with dad Wayne Scott, featuring his four brothers (whose names all begin with the letter "d") so you'll likely hear tracks from that, along with an EP from banjo legend Danny Barnes. Plus his own 2024 disc, The New Modern Hymns; so he has plenty of recent material to dig into. And it's all good. - Hal Horowitz

Ok Go - And The Adjacent Possible Tour

Sun., Dec. 7
OK Go, The Eastern - Formed in 1998, this Chicago quartet has long since proven themselves more than novelty video purveyors. Their albums deliver the dreamy and power-pop goods with remarkable consistency, and now, with this year's And the Adjacent Possible, their first in a decade, they have another under-the-radar gem. Producer Dave Fridmann returns to give these already quirky guys an extra twist on a dozen snappy songs, each could be a single. It features "A Stone Only Rolls Downhill," a catchy earworm of early Rundgren goodness that exemplifies everything they do well. And there's a catalog of five terrific discs with dozens of worthy songs to choose from. Great stuff from a band few thought would be more than a momentary blip on the pop music map. - Hal Horowitz

JD McPherson

Sun., Dec. 7
JD McPherson, Melissa Carper, The EARL - Although roots rocker McPherson found success with a 15-year career of solid rockabilly inspired albums, his holiday release of all original songs, Socks (2018), has had far more legs than other projects. He also wrote a children's book around it, Socks:A Kid's Christmas Lament (2024). This year McPherson takes both on the road with Socks:A Rock and Roll Christmas Tour, playing those songs, and others, live and likely reading passages from the manuscript. Opener, spirited standup bassist and swinging country honky-tonker Carper, has her own new Christmas music, all of which'll make for a joyous and frisky evening of yuletide Americana. - Hal Horowitz

Patterson Hood (Of Drive-By Truckers)

Wed., Dec. 10
Patterson Hood, Eddie's Attic - Drive-By Trucker Hood and the band's co-founder Mike Cooley have returned often to Eddie's when they want to revisit their solo acoustic roots after tours with the plugged-in volume of the DBTs. But this time, for a rare three-day run, Hood concentrates on selections from his new album Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams. It's an often hushed set of songs that had been laying around for a while but were not appropiate for his more aggressive full time gig. His music generally revolves around the stories and trials of hardscrabble Southern folks, but these tunes are far more introspective, fragile and tender. And this is the perfect venue to best appreciate them and his plentiful lyrics. - Hal Horowitz

Angie Aparo w/ special opening guest "Happy Hour"

Wed., Dec. 10
Angie Aparo, The Happy Hour, Avon Theatre - Veteran Atlanta-based singer/songwriter (longtime fans might remember the early 90s group Angie's Hope) looked to be on a roll for a while with high-profile work for Faith Hill (the GRAMMY® winning "Dry"), but hasn't been seen much in the past decade or so. Much of that is due to a 2016 stroke and other health issues that stemmed from it. But it seems like he's back and even though there isn't any new music, Aparo's catalog is thick and impressive enough to ensure a powerful and enjoyable evening of quality music delivered by one of the city's most dependable voices. - Hal Horowitz

Liam St. John

Thurs., Dec. 11
Liam St. John, The Masquerade - Blues rocker St. John has been around since 2020 but just released his debut full-length studio album, Man of the North, in July. Think a younger, bluesy, less grizzled Tom Waits and you're close to the unique vocals and gritty, stripped-down roots rocking St. John delivers with soul and determination. He leans slightly into country too, and got major attention when Molly Tuttle guested on his jumpy, dark honky-tonk "Greyhound Bus Blues." But it's St. John's driving voice and songs that fall between blues, rock and folk that burst from the speakers on initial listen which hits you like a slap in the face. And there aren't many artists who do that with quite as much natural conviction. Catch him now, before he gets huge. - Hal Horowitz

Modi

Wed., Dec. 10 - Thu., Dec. 11
Modi, Center Stage - Modi, born Mordechi Rosenfeld in Tel Aviv, graduated from Boston University and toiled on Wall Street as an investment banker before switching to comedy full-time and taking on the mantle of Jackie Mason. "Nazis and Kanye are my number one health risks," he quips. Modi skewers Israeli immigrants and the Jewish dating app JSwipe, while joking about his heritage, cultural anomalies, and life as a gay man with a husband who is also his manager. - Kevin C. Madigan

Dean Johnson & Esther Rose

Thurs. Dec. 11
Dean Johnson & Esther Rose, Vinyl - "He looks like Sam Elliott but sings like Vince Gill" reads a detailed Paste article about mid-50s folk singer Dean Johnson. And that perfectly captures Johnson's vibe. His high-pitched sweet, warm, pliant voice and simple yet moving songs were first heard on 2023s debut where they got a surprising amount of positive reaction, especially for a musician who was reluctant to even record. But the response to that album prompted him to release a second one, I Hope We Can Still Be Friends, that's even better. His sparse yet easily melodic sound makes him seem like a singer half his age as he croons like a teenage Leon Redbone trying to appear like Nick Drake. An opening slot on Jenny Lewis' 2023 tour brought some national attention to Johnson's unique folk vocals, songs and stories. This should be a remarkable evening. - Hal Horowitz

Goldpine and The Burney Sisters

Fri., Dec. 12
Goldpine, The Burney Sisters, Eddie Owen Presents at Red Clay - About a year ago, this same lineup appeared at the same venue, and must have made a good enough impression to be called back. The married couple of Benjamin and Kassie Wilson performs under the Goldpine name, and have for nearly a decade. Last time they previewed songs from their as yet unreleased third album, simply titled 3. Out last July, it displays their striking vocals and rootsy, often gospel inspired, generally positively oriented material. Kassie has a booming, powerful voice and takes most of the leads, but their harmonies are just as impressive. Similarly, the Burney Sisters harmonize like sisters can, singing sweet folksy country that goes down smooth. It's a solid bill, especially if both acts share some stage time. - Hal Horowitz

Five Eight Holiday Show w/ The Ladies Of…

Fri., Dec. 12
Five Eight, The Ladies Of, Smith's Olde Bar - There aren't many indie rock bands that can claim to have their original lineup intact 38 years after forming. That's just part of the inspiring story of Athens pop-punk rockers Five Eight with a new album on the way, their 10th (as yet untitled), helmed by famed Drive-By Truckers/Sugar producer/player David Barbe. The band is also the subject of a full-length documentary (Weirdo:The Story of Five Eight) about their extensive career. But they don't play often enough, which probably guarantees a sellout. Better yet, veteran Atlanta indie rocker James Hall, with his current group, opens. A new holiday song, recorded with both acts, is also available. It should be old-home week for lots of '80s punks, now graying family men and women, but also a lot of fun. - Hal Horowitz

Lera Lynn

Fri. Dec. 12
Lera Lynn, Vinyl - You won't find many reviews of Americana singer/songwriter Lynn's sound without the word "noir" describing her enigmatic, often hushed voice and ethereal music. The austere singer/songwriter's big break in the second season of True Detective seems pretty far in the rear view mirror, but she's still at it and her new album, Comic Book Cowboy, might be her best. Stark, sparse, dreamy yet powerful songs tumble from her in a shadow-show of mystery and imagination that'll mesmerize and captivate you. Hypnotic and entrancing. - Hal Horowitz

Allman Betts Family Revival]

Fri., Dec. 12
Allman Betts Band, Symphony Hall - It's the Allman Betts Family Revival Tour, featuring different acts in every city. Atlanta, not surprisingly, gets a solid lineup featuring the usual suspects of Charlie Starr and Jimmy Hall, along with Robert Randolph, Cody Dickinson, and Sierra Green. They will participate in what promoters describe as a Last Waltz influenced show, with each artist playing some rootsy song or cover. Of course you'll get plenty of Allman Brothers Band tunes mixed in. Seems like fun, especially if unannounced guests appear, which is likely. And if you're gonna see an ABB tribute band, this is the way to go. - Hal Horowitz

Robert Earl Keen Presents "The Greatest Christmas On Earth"

Sun., Dec. 14
Robert Earl Keen, The Eastern - Texas singing/songwriting troubadour Keen likely had no idea he was starting a cottage industry when he included the now immortal holiday dysfunction ditty "Christmas with the Family" on his Gringo Honeymoon (1994) album. But it's the song that keeps on giving. So he returns to sing it and a bunch more holiday fare on this short December jaunt self-deprecatingly titled The Greatest Christmas on Earth tour. Keen who famously said he was retiring from touring in 2022, is back on the road due to what he claims are financial and philosophical reasons. Whatever, it's great to have him and his often wry humor, even if it's just for a seasonal gig. - Hal Horowitz

Robert Lester Folsom

Sun., Dec. 14
Robert Lester Folsom, Lily Seabird, The EARL - This Georgia-based musician's back story is stranger than fiction. The breezy singer/songwriter recorded one obscure release, Music and Dreams (1978, only 1000 pressed) which, although filled with charming, easy-listening pop, never made a commercial ripple. The album was rediscovered and reissued in 2010 which roused Folsom's career from the dead and encouraged him to revive his approach with new music, along with issuing older demos and work tapes. With a voice similar to that of Graham Nash or early America and music that leans towards a 70s Laurel Canyon sweetness with a bit of Atlanta Rhythm Section's R&B infused pop and even some floating psychedelic elements, he's well worth a look, especially due to the local connection. Indie folkie songbird Seabird makes a strong opener. - Hal Horowitz

Suzy Bogguss: A Swingin’ Little Christmas

Wed., Dec. 17
Suzy Bogguss, Eddie's Attic - Country/pop singer Bogguss had her biggest burst of popularity in the late 80s and 90s and most have thought she had retired by now. But along came Prayin' for Sunshine (2023) and although it didn't reignite her career, it showed she was every bit as relevant to the 00s. As this show's title A Swingin' Little Christmas indicates though, she's in full holiday mode for these shows. Her sweet, silky, effervescent voice works well with peppy, rootsy, rearranged seasonal fare. And, with two full discs of Christmas music, she has enough material to make both performances a little different. Maybe, if she's in the mood, Bogguss will toss in a little something from her previous studio album too, but even if not, it's a treat to experience her talents in this intimate venue. - Hal Horowitz

A Charlie Brown Christmas Featuring Jeffrey Butzer and TT Mahony

Thurs-Sat., Dec. 18-20
A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Frigidaires, The Earl/Thursday/Friday/Saturday - Pianist TT Mahony and the indomitable Jeffrey Butzer return for yet another year (is this 18?) of their unique annual reimagining of Vince Guaraldi's iconic holiday soundtrack. Guests usually sit in, and in addition to the music there are other Christmas tunes transformed by Butzer and Mahony. Surfy openers The Frigidaires will, as usual, present the full Ventures Christmas album, along with some Beach Boys seasonal oldies. It's a mega-popular three night affair and, if history is any indication, they will all sell out. - Hal Horowitz

Kevin Scott’s Allstar Holiday Revival

Thurs., Dec. 18
Kevin Scott's Funky Holiday Spectacular, Variety Playhouse - Now ensconced as the bassist for hard touring Gov't Mule, ex-Atlanta resident Scott returns for another of what has become his annual holiday blowouts. This year's tenth go-round includes Charlie Starr, the ubiquitous Kevn Kinney, Duane Trucks, T Hardy Morris and loads of others, some of whom won't be announced until the show. It's mostly a covers affair, but with holiday music from soul, blues and funk acts as opposed to the usual drippy family and mall standards we're all tired of. You never know what'll happen when Scott gets going with this talented bunch, which is of course part of the funky fun. Not to be missed. - Hal Horowitz

Béla Fleck And The Flecktones

Fri., Dec. 19
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, The Eastern - Banjo-meister Fleck has done recent tours without his longtime band. But he's reforming them for this holiday show which, not coincidentally, is also a promotional tour for the newly reissued, GRAMMY® winning Jingle All the Way (2008) album. Fleck is joined by a special edition of his famed Flecktones including the Wooten brothers and saxist Jeff Coffin, with the Tuvan throat singing outfit Alash. All of this means it'll be a wildly inventive, diverse and edgy night of Christmas music the likes of which you'll likely never experience again. - Hal Horowitz

The Freddy Jones Band

Sat., Dec. 20
Freddie Jones Band, Avon Theatre - The 90s saw a brief flash of excitement for the Freddie Jones Band, especially locally since they had some albums on the Capricorn label. As fans know, there is no one named Freddie Jones in the lineup, which made little difference when their upbeat, jammy, fizzy sound connected with a cult audience. They remain fronted by singer/songwriter Marty Lloyd and even have a new single, "No Money in Vegas" that effectively captures their strummy, melodic old sound. Only three shows are on their calendar, and this is one of them. So any existing fans on the East Coast should find their way to Avondale, GA if they want to relive the good old days. - Hal Horowitz

Tdawg Presents Holiday Hootenanny

Sun., Dec. 21
Holiday Hootenanny, Variety Playhouse - It's TDawg presentation's 14th such Christmas show, each seemingly a little better than the last. This year, the largely acoustic set brings disparate musicians, many with current or past Atlanta roots like Oliver Wood, Rev. Jeff Mosier, and Ted Pecchio (from Col. Bruce's band). Jim Lauderdale is a constant presence throughout the years but the others share a common thread of being incredibly talented individuals who can easily jam with a bunch of folks they may have never played with before. Col. Bruce, the spiritual leader of this gathering, is looking down and smiling. - Hal Horowitz