‘One-Man Nutcracker,’ Estamos Trio, and Martha Graham Cracker welcome the Winter Solstice

With the Winter Solstice and Christmas right around the corner, there’s a settling in the air. But that’s not stopping a handful of folks from keeping the arts scene beating strong in the city. Chris Davis is a nutcracker amongst many—technically. Martha Graham Cracker and company get festive at FringeArts. To close it all out, Amalgam and Southeast by Southeast celebrate multicultural arts and vendors, and Steve Powers brings screen-printing joy.

Winter is here, friends.

One-Man Nutcracker

Imagine the daughter Marie, little boy Fritz, creepy uncle Drosselmeyer, the mice, and the Sugar Plumb fairy were all played by one actor. Take that image in your head and put Chris Davis on that stage as One-Man Nutcracker arrives tonight. Directed by Mary Tuomanen with choreography by Hallie Rumsey-Lasersohn, the show promises a hilarious re-telling of the original Nutcracker story. Catch the performance at Plays & Players Theatre starting Wednesday, December 18 at 6pm through December 24. Pick up tickets online.

Martha Graham Cracker at FringeArts

A pair of evenings with drag queen Martha Graham Cracker comes to FringeArts. On Thursday, Martha brings the band with other Philly voices including Jessica Johnson, Rachel Camp, Alex Bechtel, and Jamie Branagh for a choral extravaganza. Then, on Friday, Martha caps off the year with a long list of special guests including Shannon Turner from Glitter & Garbage Cabaret, Ernest Stuart, and The Paul Green Rock Academy, as well as The Martha Graham Cracker Youth Players featuring Aria Fiorillo (Harp), Zubin Fiorillo (Cello), and Amelia Nelson (Piano). Be sure to lock down your seat ahead of time!

Estamos Trio with Keir Neuringer

On Friday, December 20 at 8pm, Vox Populi is hosting Estamos Trio, an exploratory music ensemble formed through the cross-border Estamos Project. The trio (though one will not be able to make the performance this weekend, so it’s more like a duo but still very much worth checking out) is comprised of experimental vocalist Carmina Escobar from Mexico City, drummer and composer Milo Tamez, and pianist, composer, and activist Thollem. Tamez will be there in spirit.

They will be performing alongside Keir Neuringer, a Philly-based saxophonist, composer, and writer. Find out more about the show here.

Amalgam’s BOB Bazaar

Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse is hosting its third annual BOB Bazaar—a bazaar celebrating small Black-owned businesses. The bazaar runs all day Saturday, from 8am-8pm. Bring friends and family and show your support to all the vendors in attendance, and sneak in some last-minute holiday shopping.

Southeast by Southeast holiday craft sale

The Porch Light program is pairing with Southeast by Southeast for a multicultural arts and crafts sale at Bok, 1901 South 9th Street, on Saturday from 11am-3pm. Handmade crafts, jewelry, textiles, and more will be on sale from local and international artists. The sale is cash-only, and proceeds go directly to the vendors.

Steve Powers screen printing pop-up

Mural Arts Philadelphia is hosting a screen-printing pop-up with Philly-born mural artist Steve Powers on Saturday at 1-5pm at 1201 Spring Garden Street. Bring your own item (two items maximum per person) to be screen printed. Then, fill up on food and drink from local food trucks!

Thank You, Places

Nope, just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean the staple Philly Improv Theater show is taking off. And now’s your chance to catch it before the New Year like you’ve been meaning to but “keep missing it.” Thank You, Places is an improvised musical made up on the spot, and it’ll finish off the year with performances this Saturday and next at 8:30pm. RSVP in advance online.