A very Happy New Year’s wish to you all.  We here in the Lake Country were deluged with fantastic choices during the holiday season — concerts, festivals, Christmas markets, parades and tree lightings kept us on the go throughout December.  This first month of the New Year, while not quite so busy, still offers plenty to see and do.

Festival Hall in Greensboro begins the new season with A Neil Diamond Tribute. Eight-time Branson award winner (and Neil look-alike), Keith Allynn takes you through Diamond’s life via his music, beginning with his sensational sixties hits up until today. (An interesting aside — Allynn was once an Elvis tribute artist!)  Be sure to come on down to Festival Hall on Jan. 3 to hear “Sweet Caroline,” “Hello Again,” “America” and many more of Neil Diamond fabulous hits.  Show starts at 8 p.m., Tickets, $25. Call 706-431-3936 for more information.

If you’re a fan of the “bow-tie man,” Steve Schaefer, and his movie reviews, get a ticket to the Greene County Library’s annual dinner Jan. 24.  Not only might he reveal his bow-tie rating secrets but a delicious dinner from Washington Grass Inn’s Gloria Slaughter, will turn the cold winter evening into an entertaining double treat. Just be sure to pick up your $20 ticket (a real bargain!) at the Greene County Library before Jan. 20.

For all you “closet” actors — now is your chance to take to the stage.  The Putnam Alliance for the Performing Arts (PAPA) is holding auditions for their April/May performances of, “Second Samuel,” at the Plaza Arts Center on Jan. 21 and 23. Call 706-485-0764 for information.

On Jan. 24, The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton will take you on a musical journey in, “War Bonds, Stories & Letters from WWII.” This multi-media living history cabaret is interspersed with personal letters from the front and headline news of the war in that era.  This was a war that redefined an entire way of life. Showtime is 8 p.m. General admission tickets: $10, 706-923-1655.

Lake Oconee Living presents its annual Red Carpet Award Gala Jan. 18 at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. The occasion celebrates the winners of the magazine’s fifth annual Readers’ Choice Awards. In keeping with its theme of  “A Work of Art,” the event will reveal the winners during a gallery-style event with cocktails beginning at 6 p.m. Food and drink will be provided by winners of the “Best in Food & Dining” categories. A silent auction will benefit the winners of the “Best Non-Profit Organization,” and a special live auction will showcase the art commissioned by local artists for use in the “Best of” issue. The event will also feature live music and a gallery of art by local artists and winners of our “Best in Arts & Culture” categories.

The affair is free and open to the public, but space is limited. To reserve a ticket, call (706) 342-7440. (Black tie optional!)

Later in the month (Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.) the MMCC presents, “The Capitol Steps,” a troupe of congressional staffers-turned- comedians who travel the country satirizing the very people and places that once employed them. They are the only group in America that attempts to be funnier than Congress, monitoring events and personalities on Capital Hill, in the Oval Office, and taking a humorous look at serious issues while providing a nation-wide laugh for millions. According to Larry King of CNN, “They’re the best.  There’s no one like them, no one in their league.” Tickets: $45 member, $55 non-member and $25 students. Call 706-342-7440 for more information.    

Our Art Beat happenings seem to be off to a good start for this new year of 2014 — be sure to get out and support our local venues and talent.