by Bruce Reid

SATURDAY 12/11

BENEVOLENT ORDER FOR MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE -- Hungry for some seasonal choral music but wisely choosing to avoid the obvious? Try the Midnight Mass and Nativity Pastorale of Marc-Antione Charpentier. The latter, especially, as it tells the story of the birth of Jesus with a grace and elegance usually missing. It is French, after all. The Church, (Which one? The press kit specifies only the one at 6556 35th Ave NE), 325-7066, 8 pm, also Sun Dec 12, 3 pm, $12 students & seniors/$15 general.

SUNDAY 12/12

MEDIEVAL WOMEN'S CHOIR -- A tour of Europe via Christmas music from the 12th to 15th centuries: Hildegard of Bingen, music from the court of Alfonso X of Spain, the Coventry Carol, and the "Piae Cantiones" collection from Finland. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 325-7006, 3 pm, $7 students & seniors/$15 general.

OPUS 7 -- Bach's Cantata No. 140, Wachet auf, wouldn't seem to indicate it, but this is actually a refreshingly original program. After that standby comes Poulenc's Quatre Motets pour le Temps de Nöel, a pair of lesser Britten hymns, and the world premiere of John Muehleisen's Parable of the Ten Virgins. Opus 7's also performing some Tavener, but I'll forgive them. St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave E, 782-2354, 7:30 pm, suggested donation $20.

NORTHWEST CHAMBER ORCHESTRA -- Violinist Erick Friedman is joined by pianist Allen Dameron for Sonatas by Grieg (Op. 13 in G) and Dohnányi (Op. 21 in C sharp), and Chausson's Concerto for Violin, Piano, and String Quartet, Op. 21. Benaroya Hall, Nordstrom Recital Hall, 343-0445 or 292-ARTS, 2:30 pm, $22 students & seniors/$24.50 general/children 17 and under free when accompanied by adult.

SEATTLE PRO MUSICA -- Not to begrudge the nice folks with B.O.M.B. or Opus 7, but if you just want the highlights of their Xmas concerts listed above, you need look no further. Charpentier's Midnight Mass, Poulenc's Quatre Motets, French carols, and (you have been warned) an audience sing-along. Plymouth Congregational Church, Sixth and University, 781-2766, 3 pm, $14 students & seniors/$18 general ($12/$16 in advance).

REGIONAL MUSIC

by Jason Pagano

Thursday 12/9

FU MANCHU, SPEEDEALER, TOPSIDER -- EJ's, Portland

ME'SHELL NDEGE'OCELLO, WOOD -- Aladdin Theatre, Portland

OFFSPRING, VANDALS -- Roseland Theater, Portland

BUILT TO SPILL, THE DELUSIONS -- Crystal Ballroom, Portland

Friday 12/10

PLAN 9, ANTIWORLD, THE ROMANES -- EJ's, Portland

TONY FURTADO BAND -- Roseland Grill, Portland

ME'SHELL NDEGE'OCELLO, WOOD -- Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver

Saturday 12/11

PEDRO THE LION -- Lewis and Clark College, Portland

RADIOSTAR -- Keg & Cue, Monroe

Sunday 12/12

MARTIN SEXTON -- Starfish Room, Vancouver

Monday 12/13

CHOKEBORE, SHARPIE, STAR SPANGLED BASTARDS -- The Showoff, Bellingham

NECKBONES -- Satyricon, Portland

Tuesday 12/14

JANE SIBERRY -- Vogue Theater, Vancouver

Wednesday 12/15

COUNTING CROWS, GIGOLO AUNTS -- Arlene Schnitzer Hall, Portland

RADIO SHOWS

by Jason Pagano

Friday 12/10

STUDIO 89 -- Graham Cole rolls two hours of nonstop disco, funk, and soul. Damn. KNHC 89.5 FM, 10 pm-midnight.

Saturday 12/11

THE LIVE ROOM -- This week, the Souvenirs perform late-'50s and early-'60s honky-tonk. KCMU 90.3 FM, 8-9 pm.

SONARCHY RADIO -- A live broadcast mixed and produced by Doug Haire. Ela Lamblin performs his compositions on one-of-a-kind instruments of his own creation. KCMU 90.3 FM, 11 pm-midnight.

ALTERNATIVE RADIO -- Charlie Kernaghan discusses "The Human Face of the Global Economy." KUOW 94.9 FM, 3-4 pm; also Sunday 11 pm-midnight.

Tuesday 12/14

RADIØ1 -- Live Internet broadcast showcasing local talent every Tuesday and Thursday. www.giantradio.com, 4 pm.

Wednesday 12/15

SPOKEN WORD -- Chris Chandler combines his poetry with the music of Martin Sexton and Trout Fishing in America, among others. KUOW 94.9 FM, 9:30-10 pm.

TRIANGLE RADIO NETWORK -- Broadcasting "witty, entertaining, informative, and sometimes outrageous" programming focused on the gay, lesbian, bi, and trans community. Seven days a week on KBRO 1490 AM.