THURSDAY DECEMBER 22

MUSIC FOR LUNCH
For this year's last Music for Lunch concert, Joshua Pielemeier plays lush favorites by Rachmaninoff. Let's hope the famed "Prelude in C-sharp minor" is on the program; if not, the fanatical hordes of Rachmaninovians may exact a terrible vengeance—or worse, pantomime the Russian master's Isle of the Dead. Sherman-Clay Piano & Organ, 1624 Fourth Ave, 622-7580, 12:15 pm, free.

KRAUSS & BARBER
I've dug the uproarious saxophonist Briggan Krauss since his days with Wayne Horvitz's Pigpen. He returns for the holidays to Seattle to share the bill (and, I hope, duet) with Eric Barber, another versatile reedman who can create clangorous tones that mimic a home-built ring modulation pedal. Barber's 2004 disc, Maybeck Constructions (pfMentum), showcases an improviser smitten with Evan Parker's long-limbed, sometimes discordant, often trance-inducing, and always probing melodic lines. Unlike Parker, Barber's stray squonks as well as sudden stops and switchbacks dig deep into some stark, heart-sore blues. Gallery 1412, 1412 18th Ave, 322-1533, 8 pm, $5–$15 sliding scale donation.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23

BALTIMORE CONSORT
Although The Art of the Bawdy Song (Dorian) cemented this Renaissance music ensemble's reputation, they're in town for a family-friendly concert: "Wassail, Wassail!" features old carols and dances from the British Isles, Spain, and Appalachia sung by Brazilian countertenor José Lemos. The cheaper family concert at 1:00 p.m. is inexpensive ($5/$10); however "family" is code for squirming, squealing (but maybe still cute) children. Pre-concert talk starts at 7 pm. Town Hall, Eighth Ave and Seneca St, 325-7066, 8 pm, $15–$34.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 25

COMPLINE CHOIR
Despite my faith-based atheism, I have nothing but contempt for "Christmas Christians," those lukewarm believers who show up to soak in a religious spectacle, as if worship services were another holiday special televised for live TV. Nonetheless, compline, the last holy office of the day, somehow embodies a loneliness before the divine, so go and be alone with your deity. The cathedral is chilly this time of year, so dress warmly. St Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E, 323-0300, 9:30 pm, free.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 27

ERNESTINE ANDERSON
One of Seattle's few world-class musical exports, Ernestine Anderson remains a stirring and soulful jazz singer. Joining Anderson and her trio is one of the masters of gutbucket saxophone, tenor man Houston Person. Through Dec 31; if you're planning on showing up New Year's Eve, call ahead for reservations and package prices. Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave, 441-9729, 7:30 pm, $22.50–$130.50.

PK & WHAT ARMY?
Jessica Lurie drops in from New York to conduct a behemoth big band stocked with local improvisers including Amy Denio, Matt Crane (B**F), Tom Swafford, Chris Stover, Izaak Mills (Floss), Greg Sinibaldi (Frieze of Life), Michael Monhart (Stinkhorn), Marc Fendel (Bebop & Destruction), Eric Barber, Jim Knodle, Dave Carter, and Tobi Stone, whose recent solo on "Two to Tango" at a recent Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra Concert knocked me out. Nectar, 412 N 36th St, 300-3752, 9 pm, free.