MONKTAIL CREATIVE MUSIC CONCERN

One of the concerns of this collective of free improvisers must be sorting out who plays which gig. Continuing their regular Thursday evenings at Coffee Messiah, the Monktailers thin ranks for a series of exploratory duets. This week features bassist John Seman and percussionist Mark Ostrowski. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 861-8233, 8 pm, free.

LE NOZZE di FIGARO

The Rainier Lyric Opera presents Mozart's biggest hit (though the Requiem comes close), Le Nozze di Figaro. Seattle Opera's Dean Williamson conducts a semi-staged (costumes but no sets) performance sung in Italian. The linguistically handicapped, like yours truly, can suss out the farcical action with supertitles. Also Sat Aug 10 and Sun Aug 11 at 7 pm. Seward Park Amphitheater (at the south end of the park), 360-479-4564, 7 pm, $29.

CARLA KIHLSTEDT & SHAHZAD ISMAILY

Violinist Kihlstedt and N.Y.C.-based laptopper Ismaily thrilled the crowd at the Seattle Improv Festival in June, so this return engagement is most welcome. Aside from reprising their collaboration, the improvising duo has enlisted low-end sonic saboteur/saxophonist Randall Dunn and guitar dissector Bill Horist. Kihlstedt also performs a short solo set of songs for voice and violin. Polestar Music Gallery, 1412 18th Ave at E Union, 329-4224, 8 pm, $6.

KIMBERLY HOUSER

I have no idea why the Monroe Seventh Day Adventist Church is sponsoring this concert, but sometimes you just say "thank you" and dig the gig. Kimberly Houser plays perhaps the loveliest instrument in the orchestra, the harp. This intriguing program includes Backofen's Sonata for Harp, Spohr's Fantasie in C Minor, op. 35, Alvars' Grand Study in Imitation of the Mandoline, and Variations on a Theme in the Ancient Style (whatever that is) by the great harpist Carlos Salzedo. Recital Hall at Benaroya, 200 University St, 292-2787, 2 pm, $16/$21.

KODO TAIKO

This classical Japanese taiko ensemble merits investigation by those who love big, booming drums, and by world-weary drummers who haven't been wowed in a while. Used in battle centuries ago to intimidate the enemy, taiko drums--think of giant wine barrels turned on their sides--whip up an unforgettable percussive thunder. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, 292-2787, 8 pm, $27/$32.

COMPOSER SPOTLIGHT

Before Seattle radio was bought up by Clear Channel Communications or held in thrall to the timid programming diktats of NPR or otherwise mired in rigid formats that deny the existence of other cultures, KRAB-FM provided an aural oasis of Cajun, avant-garde, prog rock, free jazz, Dixieland, and countless other musics now expunged from Seattle radio. Philip Munger, who served as music director at KRAB from 1970 to 1973, discusses how his radio experiences influenced his compositions Kalakala Toccatas for String Quartet and Between the Lines. Munger also unveils Sonata for Trombone, a composition written in remembrance of September 11. Jack Straw Productions, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE, 634-0919, 7:30 pm, free.