Calling All Sinners
FRI 12/24
Besides those Sunday mornings after nights of self-destruction, Christmas Eve is about the only time we seriously consider going to church. Here are a few places we might get some religion before the materialistic orgy of Christmas Day. The most traditional services are the midnight Masses at Catholic churches, such as the gold-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 416 West 12th Street (816-842-0416) or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Church at 3333 Broadway (816-561-3771). St. Mary’s Episcopal (1307 Holmes, 816-842-0975) offers a kid-friendly early communion at 5:30 p.m., followed by a more somber, choir-heavy altar party at 11. For a little light music, see local ivory tickler Joe Miquelon perform at the 7:30 p.m. candlelight fellowship at Pilgrim Chapel (3801 Gillham Road, 816-753-3886). Meanwhile, at St. James United Methodist, 5540 Wayne Avenue (816-444-5588), the Rev. Emanuel Cleaver steps aside to let the church’s youth get the rafters shakin’ at 6 p.m. — Jason Harper
Brodie Rush =
Bad Santa
SAT 12/25
With its red walls, the Brick had a head start on Christmas decorations — but when you factor in the garland, stockings and lighted tree, it’s one goddamned festive bar. Which makes it the perfect backdrop for XXX-Mas, a Brodioke and Thrill Time a Go-Go spectacular in which the self-anointed King of Karaoke and his crew of dancers spread the holiday cheer all night long. The best part is that it’s actually on December 25 — so catch the show (and a buzz) after the merrymaking with the family has expired. Or if it never began. The Brick is at 1727 McGee; call 816-421-1634 for more information. — Annie Fischer
Les Enfants Terribles
WED 12/29
Kids and museums: so good in theory, so often problematic in practice. The gallery rules that we blindly follow make no sense to our short companions. (Don’t touch? Why the heck not?) And places that display art tend to frown upon Junior’s response to things he likes, such as long gallery halls through which to run screaming. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art attempts kid outreach Wednesday with Home for the Holidays, a family-friendly afternoon of art designed with tykes in mind. The museum’s current exhibits, Roberto Juarez: They Entered the Road and Out of Nature: Works by John Kalymnios, inspire activities for these young friends of art, including collage- and mobile-crafting and docent-led short tours. Party arty from 1 to 3 p.m. at the museum, 4420 Warwick Boulevard. Tours are at 1:30 and 2:30. Call 816-753-5784. — Rebecca Braverman
