By GRACE BRASWELL
Daily News

From gospel and blues to carriage rides on the square, LaGrange is in for a busy weekend filled with soulful music, holiday cheer and lots of theatrical experiences to get the community into the spirit of the holidays.  

For those looking for some great music, on Saturday, Pure Life Studios will host Barry Waldrep and Kelli Johnson, a duo who’s soulful style draws a crowd with a mix of guitar, banjo, and vocals. The group performs both as a duo and as solo artists — maintaining a successful reputation and following. 

Waldrep has performed in several groups, including with Grammy winning artist Zac Brown. Johnson has had success in Nashville as a songwriter, performing with Barry on and off throughout her career. 

“Barry and Kelli’s music always pulls in a draw with a mix of country gospel and Blues,” said Maggie McDonald, owner of Pure Life Studios. “With Kelli’s angelic voice and Barry’s superb playing, the duo always makes for a great show.”

McDonald said that Waldrep was helpful in the founding of Pure Life. She said the banjo player played a big part in helping to find Pure Life Studio’s first five artists, which became the beginning of the venue. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost $22.50. 

Music lovers may also enjoy the Lafayette Society for Performing Arts’ Young Singers of West Georgia’s annual performance of “Christmas Memories.”  The concert features more than 100 children ages eight to 18-years-old performing Christmas favorites. The concert will be held at LaGrange High School, starting at 7 p.m. Friday night and 3 p.m. Saturday night. 

For theater lovers, LSPA will also be hosting a show titled “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon,” which features a theatrical spin on the movies played during the holiday season. The show is $10 a ticket, and will be performed  on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. 

Additionally, New Horizon Community Theatre will be performing their seasonal show “Closed for the Holidays.” The show is known warm hearts and raise spirits during the holiday season. The show will be playing at the New Horizon on Dec. 12-14 at 8 p.m., with a Saturday matinée at 2 p.m.

There will also be several outdoor activities available in LaGrange over the weekend. Carriage rides and Santa Claus will be on the Square this weekend, allowing for children to make a visit and capture some Christmas memories. This event will take place on Dec. 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

For those seeking to take a look at Christmas from a historical point of view, the Biblical History Center will be holding Mary and Joseph walks. These walks will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 and will take place at noon, 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The tour includes a visit with Mary and Joseph, as well as a biblical meal.