by Bruce Reid

WEDNESDAY 12/29

SEATTLE SYMPHONY -- If you agree with Beecham that Beethoven's odd-numbered symphonies are overwrought and overrated, you'll want to leave after the confident classicism of the Symphony No. 2 in D. If you agree with the rest of the world, you should stick around for the crowning achievement of lovely, lovely Ludwig van: The 9th. Christine Brewer, Elizabeth Shammash, Vinson Cole, and Clayton Brainerd solo. And surprisingly, this concert is it for the week; so you've plenty of time to secure those last-minute arrangements before New Year's Eve. Benaroya Hall, Taper Auditorium, Wed Dec 29 and Thurs Dec 30, 7:30 pm, $10-$62, 215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org.

REGIONAL MUSIC

by Jason Pagano

THURSDAY 12/23

JOHN FAHEY -- Roseland Grill, Portland

SUNDAY 12/26

THE VIBRASONICS -- Crystal Ballroom, Portland

TUESDAY 12/28

RADIOSTAR -- Satyricon, Portland

WEDNESDAY 12/29

BARBARITO TORRES Y SU PIQUETE, PIO LEYVA -- Aladdin Theatre, Portland

RADIO SHOWS

by Jason Pagano

THURSDAY 12/23

THE PARKER PROJECT -- Part 6 of a six-episode retrospective of the life and work of Dorothy Parker, consisting of poems, anecdotes, dramatized short stories, and "a few choice quips." KUOW 94.9 FM, 9:30 pm.

FRIDAY 12/24

SHAKE THE SHACK -- Host Dr. Leon Berman, the "mild-mannered proctologist of rock and roll," plays rockabilly, boogie, and rhythm and blues. KCMU 90.3 FM, 6-9 pm.

DYLAN THOMAS -- Reading of "A Child's Christmas in Wales," a recollection of Christmas in the town of his youth. Originally recorded in New York City on February 22, 1952. KUOW 94.9 FM, 9:30 pm.

SATURDAY 12/25

ALTERNATIVE RADIO -- Without a hint of irony, Stuart Ewen discusses "Public Relations: Corporate Spin & Propaganda," in an appropriately scheduled Christmas day scrutiny of the power of image consulting and professional spin control. KUOW 94.9 FM, 3 pm.

SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED -- "Sixty minutes of nastiness, irreverence, belly laughs, and social commentary." Award-winning comedy show featuring classic swing and heavy metal music. KQBZ 100.7 FM and www.shaken.net, 9 pm.

THE LIVE ROOM -- Rebroadcast of a high-energy punk rock performance by high-energy punk rockers Gas Huffer. KCMU 90.3 FM, 8-9 pm.

MONDAY 12/27

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

TUESDAY 12/28

RADIØ1 -- Showcasing an eclectic collection of local musicians every Tuesday and Thursday. www.giantradio.com, 4 pm.