GEORGE DUKE
Duke, a veteran producer and pianist, has adroitly straddled the line between jazz and funk for almost three decades. Consider this gig a clinic for all those who think jazz-funk and smooth jazz started with the incalculably cretinous David Sanborn. Also Fri-Sat Dec 13-14 at 8 and 10 pm, and Sun Dec 15 at 6:30 and 8:30 pm. Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave, 441-9729, 8 and 10 pm, $18.50/$22.50.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 14
SEATTLE CHORAL COMPANY
Fred Coleman conducts the SCC singers and orchestra in a program titled "A Feast of Carols." Along with the usuals--"Hallelujah" from Handel's Messiah, some Vivaldi (the Magnificat in G minor), "Gloria in excelsis Deo" from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, "Joy to the World," and "Go Tell It on the Mountain"--this concert unveils carols and anthems by Northwest composers Bern Herbolsheimer, Donald Skirvin, and Morten Lauridsen. The program will be repeated at 8 pm. Meany Theater, UW Campus, 363-1100, 2 pm, $10-$30.
THE ESOTERICS
This must be the ne plus ultra of thematic programming. First, take an obscure ancient text on the horoscope, in this case the Astronomica by the first-century B.C. Roman poet Marcus Manilius. Then commission 12 Northwest composers to set Manilius' description of their respective signs in the zodiac to music: Tom Baker, Eric Lane Barnes, Greg Bartholomew, Rick Bidlack, Garrett Fisher, Laura Kaminsky, Kam Morrill, Roger Nelson, Robert Scandrett, Roupen Shakarian, Donald Skirvin, and Diane Thome. As a Leo, I have no idea what or when most of the other signs are, but I do know that this diverse roster of composers all but assures an absorbing gig. Also Sun Dec 15 at Town Hall, 8 pm. St Joseph's Church, 732 18th Ave E, 344-3327, 8 pm, $14/$17.
INTIMATE STAGE
Christmas music exists for three reasons: to cheer us up, to provide musicians bread-and-butter gigs from late November to early January, and to serve as fodder for adventurous artists to satirize and otherwise pervert to their own ends. Led by Joan Laage, this company of Butoh and Butoh-inspired dancers perform Suite Nuts, and other works to different versions of The Nutcracker. Also Sun Dec 15 at 7 pm. The stage is indeed up close and intimate, so reservations are essential. Green Lake area, call 526-5756 for directions and reservations, 8 pm, $10.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 15
OPUS 7
All writers have tics of one sort or another; one of mine is to describe Opus 7 as "resplendent." Perhaps a charitable reader will send me a new adjective for Christmas. This resplendent vocal ensemble commemorates Advent, with music by Leo Sowerby, Vassili Kalinikov, Conrad Susa, Benjamin Britten, John Tavener, and Seattle composer Bern Herbolsheimer. The centerpiece of this concert is Arvo Pärt's Sieben Magnificat-Antiphonen, a luminous setting of the "O" Antiphons that are traditionally sung the week before Christmas. St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave, 782-2899, 7:30 pm, $17.
