East Cobb Weekender: From 'Christmas at Sweet Apple' to the Empty Bowl Brunch

Friday, Dec. 13

"Christmas at Sweet Apple" -- A holiday play based on the writings of the late Atlanta journalist and author Celestine Sibley will be read in this Centerstage North production that continues through Dec. 21. Shows Friday and Saturday start at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. 3330 Sandy Plains Road.

Christmas at Piedmont Church -- A holiday arts and crafts show, a visit from Santa and music from East Cobb-area school chorus groups will be featured from 5-9 Friday and 10-5 Saturday. The event is free. 570 Piedmont Road. 

Walton Orchestra Winter Concert -- The Chamber, Philharmonia and Sinfonia orchestras will perform starting at 7 p.m. at the KSU Bailey Performing Arts Center, 1000 Chastain Road. 

Pope High Showcase of the Arts -- The school's Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras will perform as one at 7 p.m. at the Lassiter Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Road. 

Bethlehem Walk at Mountain View UMC -- The church's annual Christmas celebration -- a recreation of 1st century Bethlehem -- and Nativity scene concludes at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The event is free and the public is invited. 2300 Jamerson Road.

Saturday, Dec. 14

East Cobb Lions Pancake Breakfast -- Sit down to a full breakfast and visit with Santa from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Powers Ferry United Methodist Church, 245 Powers Ferry Road. 

Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force Seminar -- Cobb District Attorney Vic Reynolds and county law enforcement officials will provide information on the many types of elder abuse and how to identify, prevent and report them in a free seminar from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Sterling Estates retirement community, 4220 Lower Roswell Road.

Wheeler Holiday Music Showcase -- An afternoon of music at the Lassiter Concert Hall starts at 2:30 p.m. with the Philharmonia and Sinfonia orchestras and spiritual and chorale choirs, followed at 4 p.m. by the Bel Voce choir, the Chamber orchestra and the Wind Ensemble. 2601 Shallowford Road.

Sprayberry Masterworks Concert -- The school's orchestra and chorus will perform holiday music starting at 7 p.m. 2525 Sandy Plains Road. 

Johnson Ferry Christmas Festival -- The East Cobb Baptist Church choir and orchestra will perform at 7 p.m Saturday and at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Free and open to the public. 955 Johnson Ferry Road. 

Sunday, Dec. 15 

Christmas Cantata -- The Mt. Zion UMC Chancel Choir and Children's Choir will perform Christmas music at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services. 1770 Johnson Ferry Road. 

Empty Bowl Brunch -- Choose a handmade ceramic bowl for $10 and have it filled with soup at The Art Place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to help those in need. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.theartplace.us. 3330 Sandy Plains Road. 

Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony Concert -- The honor wind ensemble of top local high school musicians will perform holiday music at 7 p.m. at the Lassiter Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Road.