LE NUOVE MUSICHE--Through a combination of its southern latitude and its pretty constant dire economic straits, Spain has always been an also-ran to Europe: one foot in the first world, one foot in the third. But it was a considerable powerhouse, and consequently a hotbed of creativity, during the late medieval and early baroque eras. For their first performance as a declared trio, LE NUOVE MUSICHE--soprano Kathy Hanson-Mack, violinist Ronn Fullerton, and guitarist Elizabeth Brown--focus on just that period of flowering, with music by Hidalgo, Durón, Sanz, and de Murcia. Central Lutheran Church, 1720 11th Ave E, Fri June 25, 8 pm, $10/$14, 325-7066.

CLASSICAL ACTION--Aside from their nostalgia (in entirely different directions) and their desire to please the audience, what do the romantic Joshua Bell and the almost rustic Mark O'Connor have in common as violinists? A hatred for the scourge of AIDS, which is why both will be performing at this benefit for Chicken Soup Brigade and the Northwest AIDS Foundation. This is the type of concert at which more attention is paid to the host (LILY TOMLIN) than the programming, so I have no idea from the press material what music will be performed. But the Symphony, the Seattle Men's Chorus, and the vocal stylings of Susanne Mentzer, Jubilant Sykes, and Betty Buckley are all being called upon, so if you go, expect a bag so mixed that no one will be wholly satisfied musically. Benaroya Hall, Taper Auditorium, Tues June 29, 7:30 pm, $35-$70, 292-ARTS.