As we head into December, there are numerous holiday events around the Lansing area this weekend, as well as a host of theater productions, fun activities for kids, a Family Day at the Michigan State University Broad Art Museum, a Jazz Brunch and more.

Since director John Waters’ “Hairspray” movie was released in 1988, a slew of versions have followed. 

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to start prepping gifts for friends, family, coworkers and beyond. For avid readers, there are a few standout books in a range of genres that have been published this year that recipients will likely crack open as soon as the gift exchange is over — if they can wait that long. Some of the books are pretty long, however, so just don’t try to stuff them in a stocking.

Dan Dan Laird goes by Dan twice, a throwback to an inside joke between college friends. A longtime Lansing local and former half of the music duo the Swift Brothers, Laird has recently turned his passion for music and the relationships he’s built over the years into a new booking agency called Angry Talent Entertainment.