10 things to do this weekend in Columbus includes Dave Koz and 'found footage' at the Wex

Columbus is teeming with interesting musical and theatrical productions, and residents can get their fill this weekend. Celebrated saxophonist Dave Koz and popular a cappella group Straight No Chaser are both bringing holiday music to the Palace Theatre this weekend.

There's even more holiday programming to enjoy, thanks to the Columbus Children's Theatre and the Hilliard Arts Council, which will be presenting "The Happy Elf" and "A Christmas Carol,” respectively.

Already in need of a break from the holiday season? Take a journey into the strange and wonderful world of found VHS footage with a special program at the Wexner Center for the Arts.

To get these ideas in your inbox every week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.

CCT gets happy with elf musical comedy

CCT (Columbus Children’s Theatre) will present “The Happy Elf,” a jazzy, 90-minute musical comedy about friendship and overcoming adversity, adapted by composer-lyricist Harry Connick Jr. and author Andrew Fishman from the 2005 animated film inspired by Connick’s song. Performances are 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17; 2 p.m. Dec. 18; 7 p.m. Dec. 21-22; and 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. Tickets cost $19 to $50. (614-224-6672, columbuschildrenstheatre.org, cbusarts.com)

Vadim Gluzman joins ProMusica at the Southern

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra creative partner Vadim Gluzman will make one of his regular appearances with the group this weekend, at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., when the violinist will perform Johannes Brahms’ “Violin Concerto.” Other works included on the concerts, which will be led by Music Director David Danzmayr, include Felix Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 5.” Tickets start at $18. (promusicacolumbus.org)

Straight No Chaser pays yearly visit to Columbus

Straight No Chaser, which got its start at Indiana University, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The nine-member male a cappella group will be returning to the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. at 8 p.m. Friday for what has become an annual visit. The group is known for its quirky revisions of Christmas standards and original songs, as well as touching covers of old favorites, and may be throwing in some anniversary surprises. Tickets start at $25.50 (capa.com).

Sax man Dave Koz brings Christmas tour to town

Saxophonist Dave Koz, a frequent visitor to Columbus in December, will appear once again at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. at 8 p.m. Saturday. His 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour will include performances by trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarist Peter White, pianist Keiko Matsui and singer-songwriter Rebecca Jade. This time around, they will be playing music from Koz's latest Christmas album, “Christmas Ballads,” including some originals by Koz and new arrangements of old standards. Tickets start at $49. (capa.com)

Shop and celebrate at the Thurber House

Celebrate the birthday of Columbus-bred humorist James Thurber from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Thurber House, 77 Jefferson Ave. Enjoy seasonal music, carols and hot chocolate while shopping for Thurber-related gifts. During this event only, non-book merchandise purchased at the physical bookstore will be 75% off, so if you or your loved ones have a yen for Thurber t-shirts, mugs, ornaments, dog toys and more, now is the time to get over there! Admission is free. (thurberhouse.org)

Birthday party, discounts and goodies at Gramercy Books

Gramercy Books will toast to six years as an independent bookstore and literary event space with a birthday party during regular hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday at 2424 E. Main St., Bexley. Everything at the store will be 20% off during the party. Sign a birthday card for the store and enjoy cookies specially created for the event by adjoining Kittie's Cafe. Gift cards will be 20% off Dec. 10-24. (gramercybooksbexley.com)

Hillard Arts Council presents annual Dickens classic

An intergenerational cast will bring to life “A Christmas Carol,” Hilliard Arts Council’s traditional annual retelling of Charles Dickens' classic, with a focus on the spiritual transformation of a stingy man haunted by ghosts. Performances are 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center, 5425 Center St., Hilliard. Donations requested of $5, unwrapped toys or five or more non-perishable food items. (614-527-4407, hilliardartscouncil.org)

Old-time radio show comes to the stage

It’s All Been Done Presents, local producer of a monthly 80-minute modern, geeky comedy program in the style of old-timey radio serials, will perform a special holiday edition of “It's All Been Done Radio Hour,” with themed short comic-drama episodes hosted by a lounge act. The performance, including a new episode of the sci-fi-themed “Universe Journey,” in which a new commander takes over the starship, will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday at Boxland Media, 6665 Huntley Rd. K. Tickets cost $10, or become a donor at Patreon.com/IABD. (614-916-6043, iabdpresents.com)

Central Ohio Symphony presents classic pieces and new works

The Central Ohio Symphony will perform its annual holiday concerts at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Ohio Wesleyan University’s Gray Chapel, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Soprano Angel Tyler will sing a program to include an excerpt from Handel’s “Messiah,” and instrumentalist Brian McCoy will use Irish uilleann pipes while performing a new work by Westerville composer Ken McCaw, “Highland Holiday.” Tickets cost $29, or $24 for senior citizens, $6 for students. (centralohiosymphony.org)

Fantastic footage finds at the Wex

Don’t erase those old VHS tapes — you may be in possession of “found footage.” At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, in the Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher will present a plethora of “videotaped obscurities,” including such oddball finds as “The First Annual Martin Carlton Stunt Special,” the “Magical Rainbow Sponge” crafting videos, and excerpts from a cable access dance show. Tickets cost $16, or $13 for students and Wexner Center members. (wexarts.org)

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 10 things to do in Columbus include Dave Koz, Straight No Chaser