7+1

Thursday 12.11

Songbirds. Perhaps nothing comes closer to capturing the true spirit of the holiday season than the voices of children singing traditional carols. Join the Tulsa Children's Chorus at Holy Family Cathedral, 8th and Boulder, tonight for its annual winter concert. The performance begins at 7pm with a reception to follow. Formed in 1991, the Tulsa Children's Chorus continues to foster the musical development of young minds across the city. In fact, mid-year auditions are approaching- January 5th. The TCC performs with other groups around town, including the Tulsa Philharmonic and the Tulsa Opera. To learn more, visit tulsachildrenschorus.org.

Friday 12.12

Down Home. It's time to rummage around in your closet for that old pair of overalls. When you find 'em, get dressed and head down to the QuikTrip Center at the fairgrounds, 21st and Yale, for the 15th annual Tulsa Farm Show. Celebrate your inner pastoralist with live cattle handling demonstrations. Attendants can participate in a number of forums and browse through a vast selection of vendors, or get lucky with one of its many giveaways. Check it out today from 9am-4pm or tomorrow, 9am-5pm. For more information, visit farmshowsusa.com.

Saturday 12.13

I Love a Parade. Before you decide to stay in and decorate the tree, head downtown for a longtime Tulsa favorite, the PSO Christmas Parade of Lights, beginning at 6pm. Many local organizations, companies and churches collaborate each year to maintain this tradition. Expect to see elaborate floats, marching bands, dancers and even the enormous helium-filled balloons like the ones in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The festivities kick off at Eighth and Cincinnati, heading north to Fourth Street, west to Boulder, then back south where it ends at Eighth Street. To learn more about the event, visit tulsadowntown.org.

Sunday 12.14

For the Long Haul. For some, the weekend is just too short. If Friday and Saturday just didn't do it for you, then head down to Exit 6C tonight, 222 E. 1st St., to catch The Lifers. Every Sunday, Steve Pryor, David Teegarden, Jim Strader and Steve Hickerson play an array of bluesy rock n' roll tunes- a nice, mellow way to round out the weekend. They start pretty early, and they're done by midnight. If you haven't seen them yet and you're itching for a nightcap, check them out tonight. For more info, call the bar at 794-7890.

Monday 12.15

Dive Right In. Smokers, rejoice! One of Tulsa's true dive bars, The Colony, 28th and Harvard, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Since its naissance in '58 as The Colony Inn, this cozy bar has hosted many of the finest musicians, including George Harrison and Eric Clapton. It has changed hands many times, but still retains its original feel- the dim lights and wooden booths reek of character. Best of all, the colony has established itself as a mainstay for live, local music. Bands start around 11pm, and there's never a cover. Check out its myspace for more info.

Tuesday 12.16

Make the Connection. So, you know you like art; but sometimes it's hard to find a medium or style that resonates within. If you're one of these people, and you want to explore the art world further, come to Color Connection Gallery, 2050 Utica Square, to check out the holiday collection of new works. Dreamy impressionism, fascinating abstracts, woven baskets, jewelry, glass creations and other sculptures are all here. Yes, there is truly something for any patron's taste. Gallery hours are Tue.-Sat., 10am-5:30pm. For more information about the gallery or its artists, visit colorconnectiongallery.com.

Wednesday 12.17

Humbugged. Sometimes the warm fuzzies of the holiday season are all but suffocating. The best way to cope is to maintain your sense of humor. Tonight marks the middle of the run for the performance of humorist and author David Sedaris' The Santaland Diaries, presented by the American Theatre Company. This witty one-man show, derived from his own experience as an elf at Macy's department store during the holidays, is sure to elicit at least a chuckle. For tickets and showtimes, visit tulsapac.com.

Thursday 12.18

District Reborn. With abundant opportunities to participate in the resurgence of activity in downtown Tulsa, new businesses have been cropping up all across the area during the last couple of years. After traveling to from Tulsa to the west coast and back again, owners Janet and Douglas Edwards opened The Pearl Gallery and Studio, 1201 E. 3rd St. The space offers everything from handmade masks to jewelry, all locally-crafted. Gallery hours are Wed.-Sat., 1-6pm with extended hours on Thursday until 8pm. Or, stop in whenever its lights are on. To learn more about Pearl, visit pearlgallerytulsa.com.