THURSDAY 12/14

SEATTLE SYMPHONY--For the last time: Handel's Messiah is intended for Easter service, not Christmas; it is too easily made into a bloated mess by overlarge performances; and even if you do perform it well, haven't we all heard it enough by now? Benaroya Hall, Taper Auditorium, 215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org, 7:30 pm, $10-$64. Also Fri-Sat Dec 15-16, 8 pm; Sun Dec 17, 2 pm.

FRIDAY 12/15

OPUS 7--I'm not one much for either the holidays or bursts of patriotism, but "An American Christmas" sounds enticing nonetheless. Works by Billings, Ives, Paulus, and Ferko; with an emphasis on Northwest composers (Muehleisen, Kechley, Asplin) and the winners of Opus 7's Student Choral Composer Competition. Town Hall, Eighth and Seneca, 782-2899 or www.opus7.org, 8 pm, $17 general, $12 students/seniors. Also Sat Dec 16 at St. Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E, 8 pm.

SATURDAY 12/16

PIFFARO--This Renaissance wind band will include the dreaded Greensleeves, as well as works from Byrd, Playford, Ravenscroft, and Henry VIII, who--whatever his relationships with the wives--was actually a pretty fine composer, easily the best among all the monarchical tunesmiths. Town Hall, Eighth and Seneca, 325-7066, 8 pm, $25 general, $20 seniors, $16 students.

SUNDAY 12/17

MEDIEVAL WOMEN'S CHOIR--In director Margriet Tindemans's Dutch heritage, St. Nicholas sails each year from Spain to ride across Holland on a white horse. Rather than cookies, children leave out carrots and sugar cubes for the steed. In reality, St. Nicholas of Myra died on the December 6 in either A.D. 345 or 352; his relics are preserved in Bari, and it is said healing oil drains from them to this day. Just some background so you'll know what they are singing about in this collection of medieval French music celebrating the saint. Also Perotin's Alleluya. Town Hall, Eighth and Seneca, 527-2667, 3 pm, $15 general, $10 students/seniors.

ORCHESTRA SEATTLE--Think your job is tough? Every year at this time I've got to come up with 10 or so different things to say about Handel's Messiah. Meany Hall, UW Campus, 682-5208, 3 pm, $5-$25.

RADIO SHOWS
by Megan Seling

SATURDAY 12/16

THE LIVE ROOM--As if there isn't enough happening on a Saturday night! Graig Markel, who recently released his new album Hard Grammar, will be visiting The Live Room. Social butterfly that you are, you should probably have your roommate tape it for you. KCMU 90.3 FM, 8 pm.

SOUNDTRACK CINEMA--Had the chance to see Vertical Limit yet? If not, you must--it's a riot. Tonight, Soundtrack Cinema will be featuring music from the ridiculous flick in a two-hour special, though I can tell you now that it won't even be half as fun as the movie. KING 98.1 FM, 10 pm.

SONARCHY--Electron Love Theory combines music with interviews of "real people," creating an outcome either very wonderful or very obnoxious. Be fair and give it a shot before completely writing it off. KCMU 90.3 FM, 11 pm.

SUNDAY 12/17

NEW DIMENSIONS--Dawna Markova's nickname could be Dr. Feelgood. Not because she's got it hard for the Crüe, but because she asks questions like "How can I be closer to joy?" and coined the motto "I will not die an unlived life." She's the one they call Dr. Feelgood. She's the one that makes ya feel all right. KUOW 94.9 FM, 10 pm.

WEDNESDAY 12/20

A CHRISTMAS CAROL--Every December this holiday classic appears on TV dozens of times, so why not put it on the radio, too? Jonathan Winters presents this version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, also featuring Mimi Kennedy. KUOW 94.9 FM, 10 pm.

OUT OF TOWN

DEFTONES, TAPROOT: Thurs Dec 14, Roseland Theater, Portland

BLOODHOUND GANG, GOLDFINGER, A: Thurs Dec 14, Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, B.C.

STARLIGHT MINTS, ALL THE WAY DOWN: Thurs Dec 14, Pine Street Theatre, Portland

DIABLOTONES, EASY BIG FELLA: Fri Dec 15, Anza Club, Vancouver, B.C.

ZONY MASH, SEX MOB: Fri Dec 15, Berbati's Pan, Portland

RADIO NATIONALS, RICHMOND FONTAINE: Sat Dec 16, Tonic, Portland

JOHN LEE HOOKER: Sat Dec 16, Roseland Theater, Portland

MUDHONEY, FIREBALLS OF FREEDOM, THE CATHETERS: Sat Dec 16, Pine Street Theatre, Portland

DIGITAL UNDERGROUND, PHAT SIDY SMOKEHOUSE, DJ CHILL: Sun Dec 17, Pine Street Theatre, Portland

ELLIOTT SMITH, NO. 2: Mon Dec 18, Crystal Ballroom, Portland