BOX SEAT: Ways to give thanks are plentiful this season
Can you believe it? The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia will be on the stage of the Grand Opera House in less than a month. On top of that, just days ago the Museum of Arts and Sciences opened its annual "Festival of Trees." There can be no question that the holidays are fast approaching, and, like it or not, the shopping season is underway.
The MAS has some good advice in this department, too, especially for those who are already amply equipped with neckties, sweaters and the like. A "tribute gift" to our museum, presented in the name of civic-minded loved ones, is a present that will bring joy to thousands upon thousands in the year ahead.
While this suggestion emanates from the MAS, a similar principle applies in the case of our symphony orchestra, our theaters or other groups that enrich the cultural life of the community. Ironically, such a gift will also give richly to the giver as well.
CHRISTMAS BOOKS
For those who insist on giving a tangible gift, I suggest a book, any one of those that chronicle the approach of the Christmas in the South. The recipient can start reading now and finish easily by the time Santa arrives. My three favorites, strangely, have dropped out of favor in recent years, although two of them are distinctly Georgia-themed books.
My top choice, as regular readers can probably guess, is Lillian Smith's "Memory of a Large Christmas," followed by Ferroll Sams' "Christmas Gift!" and Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory." Beginning as the pecans start to fall, these poignant tales will touch the soul.
GIVING THANKS
This week's full entertainment calendar assures us that we'll have plenty to be thankful for when the Tofurky arrives. In addition to this weekend's Make-End Maker Festival, tonight Ward Stare and the Mercer University Orchestra are performing in Fickling Hall.
Sunday we'll hear soprano Liana Valente, accompanied by Susan McDuffie, in the Vineville Music and the Arts series, plus the Warner Robins Concert Association is hosting the Joe Gransden Jazz Quartet.
Also on Sunday at the Douglass Theatre we have "Coriolanus," one of Shakespeare's Roman plays, from the National Theatre Live series. Coming to the Douglass next weekend from the Metropolitan Opera is Berg's 20th century 12-tone opera "Lulu."
Contact Larry Fennelly at LarryFennelly@avantguild.com.
This story was originally published November 12, 2015 at 4:11 PM with the headline "BOX SEAT: Ways to give thanks are plentiful this season ."