Singer/songwriter Emily Elbert will perform at an open house at the Kessler Theater Saturday. The old theater is expected to open as a performance venue as early as February. Here’s a good chance to peep the progress.

We got a media release with the headline "the holidays are such a drag." It’s hard to improve on that when you’re talking about a Dec. 26 drag show. The fourth annual holiday extravaganza at Illusions will feature Natasha Versace and a whole line-up of drag queens. The show benefits the Legacy Counseling Center.

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If you haven’t checked out one of the city’s most extravagant displays of Christmas lights yet, head over to 1603 Montreal this weekend. BackTalk reader Tom Lanious also recommends the Christmas lights in the neighborhoods near Camp Wisom and Hampton. "A beautiful experience," he says.