Friday
December 17
Rough mix
Rock and roll is supposed to be subversive — but somewhere between Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift, rock went soft. Thankfully, there’s Bluff Channahon’s “Filthy Song Night” at Jalopy. Channahon, of the Barbara F—king Walters, summons the city’s best nasty songwriters to sing filthy songs about sex, drugs and bowel movements. It’s good clean dirty fun.
9 pm. Filthy Song Night at Jalopy [315 Columbia St. between Hamilton Avenue and Woodhull Street in Columbia Street Waterfront, (718) 395-3214]. Tickets, $10.
Saturday
December 18
Song of youth
Catch Brooklyn’s best young singers — the Grammy award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus — in a special holiday program at the Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Brooklyn Heights. Whether doing Bach or Mathis, these talented kids are a delight (no wonder Elton John, Judy Collins and even Lou Reed have performed with them).
2 pm or 7:30 pm. Brooklyn Youth Chorus at Our Lady of Lebanon Church [113 Remsen St. between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 624-7228]. Tickets $10-$35. For info, visit www.brooklynyouthchorus.com.
Saturday
December 18
Holy night
It’s one thing to believe in the story of the Three Wise Men, Mary and Joseph, and the little baby that they birthed in a manger, but it’s another thing to see it live. So as it has done for decades, the New Utrecht Reformed Church will mark the Christmas holiday with its living nativity scene — complete with farm animals. Catch it today or it’s next year in Jerusalem.
3–6 pm. Living nativity at New Utrecht Reformed Church [18th Avenue between 83rd and 84th streets in Bensonhurst, (718) 256-7173]. For info, visit www.historicnewutrecht.org.
Sunday
December 19
Capra-esque
After a successful two-week run, the Heights Players’ production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” offers its last performance. Sure, you could watch the movie version 16 times on TV, but there’s nothing better than seeing it on stage (damn that Mr. Potter!). And remember, every time you buy a beer at intermission, an angel gets his wings. 2 pm. Heights Players [26 Willow Pl. between Joralemon and State streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 237-2752].
Monday
December 20
Make you sweat
Hot tub is back! After a three-month hiatus, Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler’s beloved absurdist variety show returns. Schaal won’t be there this time, but Braunohler will be joined by “Saturday Night Life” writer John Mulaney, LA-based comedian and rapper MC Mr. Napkins, and, for a change of pace, burlesque performer Creamy Stevens.
7:30 pm. Hot Tub at Littlefield [622 Degraw St. between Third and Fourth avenues in Gowanus, (718) 855-3388]. Tickets, $5. For info, visit www.littlefieldnyc.com.
