December is here which means the consumption of 600 additional guilt-free calories a day, the season of giving...and Christmas parties. In the spirit of December's defining qualities we've decided to hatch a make-shift, fireside, Christmas show benefitting the Dallas Life Foundation. That's right, just like Christmas shopping, we've decided to wait until the last minute to put together this special night of Christmas songs, great food and copious amounts of wine.

Here's the deal. The food geniuses over at SMOKE Restaurant, along with several wine distributors agreed to host our little wine/dine/swine/caroling bonanza on Sunday, December 20th, 2009 at 8:00.

Do you remember how Christmas break used to be? You know the last week on campus or the first week back home? Well, that's what this night is all about. Listening to great music, eating great food, hanging out with friends you don't see nearly enough and giving back.

So, the "giving" part is broken down into two tiers of magnificence:

Option (1) is a $10 donation that gets you in the door, near the fireside stage with a great view of Dallas' finest food and musicianship. Okay, at least a view of Dallas' finest food.

Option (2) is a $30 donation that gets you a special Top Chef-esque menu with all you can drink vino. Yep, that's right. Moderation, smoderation....it's for a great cause.

The entertainment for the night includes Creede Williams, Matthew Glenn Thompson and a bevy of surprise guests joining in on many of your favorite Christmas tunes. This is a rare and special opportunity to eat at one of Dallas' most highly rated joints while hearing some of the best songwriters around in a very intimate and yuletide inspired setting. Throw in bottomless wine and you've got the gift that keeps on giving!

Because of the very limited space and nature of this event, make sure to give SMOKE a call at 214-393-4141 to ensure your admission. You'll be glad you did.

I look forward to tipping back a glass for a good cause on Sunday, December 20th!

Though it seems like decades ago, Friday, November 20th marks the five year anniversary of Creede's first show at the Granada Theater. Being the sentimental fools that we are, we've booked Creede and a coupla' his pals to return to the stage with Jackopierce for this kiss off to 2009. If you've been "meaning to get out to a show", this is your last chance as the fellas are taking the next two months off to work-out, lay-out, make-out and go-out. Okay, that's not technically true...December and January will probably be dedicated to catching up on Friday Night Lights and trying out some new grilled cheese recipes.

Creede makes his way back to the Left Coast for several shows in the state that inspired his debut record, Something Borrowed. These will be very intimate shows that include Jackopierce in addition to several "fancy friends" in Hollywood. Mark your calendars for November 13 at The Mint in Los Angeles & November 14th at The Red Devil Lounge in San Francisco.

Creede and his mandolinist/fiddler/bodyguard Ike Marr play Chicago this Friday night at SPACE over near the campus of Northwestern. This is a perfect show to celebrate Homecoming! By the way, Creede is only playing the city Chicago...not the songbook from CHICAGO, although he does a mean "Cell block tango".

In the words of Van Morrison, "It's a marvelous night for a moondance" and we have some very special opportunities for our Dallas friends to put on cashmere, shake the glitter of your clothes and party poolside beneath the stars.

Creede is playing a couple of very cool shows in a some very eclectic settings. If you haven't been over to the The Belmont or thrown-back a martini at NYLO you are missing out on two of the best views in Big D. Both shows(Oct. 8th & Oct. 9th) are very limited seating so get your tickets quick. If you like great vibe, strong drinks and killer music....head over to the Events page and get your tickets before they sell-out. These local shows will be among the last Texas shows in 2009.