Marquee: It’s a holiday laugh-in with comic Ryan Davis

RYAN DAVIS

Comic Ryan Davis headlines Queen City Omegas Black Friday Comedy Show Nov. 26 at the Oasis Shriner Temple, 604 Doug Mayes Place.

Nov. 28

Comedian Ryan Davis will headline the Queen City Omegas Black Friday Comedy Show at the Oasis Shriner Temple, 604 Doug Mayes Place.

Fresh off the release of his independently produced YouTube comedy special “Under-Rated,” Davis is one of the most authentic voices in comedy today. The show is part of a fraternity initiative to spotlight Black excellence in comedy through local engagement.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Pi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Scholarship Fund.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Dec. 5

Gaston County Museum of Art & History kicks off the holiday season with the annual open house and carriage rides from 6-9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Carriage rides, which start from the parking lot of the Museum’s Daniel Stowe Carriage House on West Church Street, are free.

The event coincides with Carols on the Square, presented by the Town of Dallas, which begins at 6:30 p.m. on the Historic Court Square in Dallas.

The museum is free and open to the public Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dec. 6

“Backstage With Louis Armstrong,” an off-Broadway musical drama, is 7-9 p.m. at The Arts Factory, 1545 W. Trade St. Admission is $20 and available at Eventbrite. Danny W. Mullen Sr. portrays the legendary jazz trumpeter.

Dec. 7

Historic Rosedale hosts its annual candlelight tour featuring a garden stroll and guided house tour from 5-7 p.m. 

Check out Historic Rosedale by candlelight, where items like clothing, dinnerware, and furniture were designed to enhance the darkness that night brought without the benefit of electric lighting. The guided tour also features a holiday performance of strolling characters courtesy of Queen City Groove and light holiday treats including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and sweets at the pavilion. 

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the house tour begins at 6 p.m. Organizers request no cell phone lights be used inside the house; individual electric tapers for additional lighting will be provided.
New this year is Santa at work in the reconstructed blacksmith shop. Photos with Santa are available for $10 each, and can be taken with your own phone, or you can choose a printed souvenir photo. 

Dec. 12-21

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts’ production of “Scrooge! The Musical” is back for its fourth year. The musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” is story of redemption, compassion, and the holiday spirit. Shows take place at Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St. Tickets are available at matthewsplayhouse.com or by calling (704) 846-8343.

In addition to the eight regular performances, “Scrooge! The Musical” includes a "Pay What You Can" performance on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Women's Health and Resilience Foundation, which advocates for women's health from the inside through knowledge, inspiration, and support.

• Middle C Jazz is all in for December.

The club is hosting a series of music celebrations from smooth jazz artists to R&B favorites throughout the month. Tickets for all December performances, including the exclusive New Year's Eve event, are available immediately.

A major highlight of the month is the two-night run with the smooth jazz artists Peter White, Mindi Abair, and Vincent Ingala Dec. 12-13. It also includes an optional VIP pre-show wine and jazz tasting with Mindi Abair.

Among the highlights: 

(Dec 4) “Happy Holidays – A Soulful Christmas” with Jay D Jones (R&B and holiday soul)

(Dec. 11) Ray Singleton Holiday Party Night (R&B favorites and holiday classics)

(Dec. 12-13) Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala

VIP Pre-show Wine & Jazz Tasting with Mindi Abair

(Dec. 14) Adrian Crutchfield: “For You at Christmas ... with Love & Jazz!” 

(Dec. 17-18) “A Charlie Brown Christmas” featuring Lovell Bradford and Tyra Scott, family-friendly celebration of the Vince Guaraldi Trio

(Dec. 19) Joey Santo Sings Christmas Classics of Sinatra, Crosby, & Martin perform vintage holiday standards

(Dec. 21) Jingle Jazz Tour featuring B.K. Jackson, Erin Stephenson and Gino Rosaria

(Dec. 31) New Year’s Eve celebration with the Voltage Brothers 

For tickets, showtimes, and schedule, go to www.middlecjazz.com.

Not too early for planning

Tickets are on sale for 2026 The Blues Is Alright Tour. 

The eighth annual Queen City Blues Festival is at Ovens Auditorium on March 7 at 7 p.m. The Southern soul and modern blues scene blend old-school storytelling with contemporary R&B. with performances by King George, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, West Love, Tonio Armani, Mike Clark Jr., EJ Jones, Stephanie Luckett & the YP Band, and Henry Welch.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

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