THURSDAY 12/2

TUDOR CHOIR AND SEATTLE BAROQUE ORCHESTRA -- For those musical completists with a Linnean bent who are most thrilled when classifying and categorizing performance edition variations to the tiniest degree, this concert of Messiah is notable as presenting the 1742 Dublin Premiere version of Handel's oratorio, with multiple soloists and organ concerti after Parts I and II, in Seattle's only period instrument performance. The rest of us merely mark it as the first of way too many concerts this month of this overblown, overrated work. St. Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E, also Fri Dec 3, and Sun Dec 4, 8 pm, $15 students & seniors/$20 general/$30 center reserved seating, 323-1040.

SEATTLE SYMPHONY -- Russian Romantics -- Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat, with the exciting Fazil Say soloing, and Rachmaninov's Symphony No. 3 in A -- butt heads with the movingly impressionistic sounds of Takemitsu's Requiem for String Orchestra. Benaroya Hall, Taper Auditorium, at 7:30 pm, also Fri Dec 3, 1 pm, Sat Dec 4, 8 pm, and Sun Dec 5, 2 pm, $10-$67, 215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org.

FRIDAY 12/3

IGOR DENSHIK -- I can't tell you a thing about the pianist, but his program is eclectic to the point of erratic: Bach/Busoni, D. Scarlatti, Beethoven's 32 Variations in C, Schubert's Wanderer Fantasy, a Scriabin sonata, a Chopin Nocturne, and, of course, some Prokofiev (Diabolical Suggestion, Op. 4) to wrap things up. Benaroya Hall, Nordstrom Recital Hall, 7 pm, $35, 292-ARTS.

SUNDAY 12/5

BOSTON POPS -- What could be a more excruciating musical celebration of the season than vocalist Susan Powell (Miss America 1981) backed up by soupy orchestrations the likes of "Winter Wonderland"?.... Tacoma Dome, 6 pm, $25.50/$35/$50, 628-0888.

SEATTLE CHORAL COMPANY -- ...Except, of course, another run-through of excerpts from Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, and, surprise surprise, Handel's Messiah. Benaroya Hall, Taper Auditorium, Sun 7 pm, $15-$30, 363-1100.

REGIONAL MUSIC

THURSDAY 12/2

SLEEPY LABEEF -- Berbati's Pan, Portland

MOE. -- Crystal Ballroom, Portland

MELISSA ETHERIDGE -- Royal Theatre, Victoria B.C.

FRIDAY 12/3

DANZIG, SAMHAIN -- Roseland Theater, Portland

SATURDAY 12/4

THE 45s -- Satyricon, Portland

TUESDAY 12/7

ZEN GUERRILLA, HELLACOPTERS, SUPERSUCKERS -- Berbati's Pan, Portland

JANE SIBERRY -- Aladdin Theatre, Portland

WEDNESDAY 12/8

BETTE MIDLER -- Rose Garden Arena, Portland

RADIO SHOWS

by Jason Pagano

THURSDAY 12/2

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

FRIDAY 12/3

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

THE Z-MIX -- Hosts Sly and Myzta J. feature hiphop from national, regional, and local artists every Thursday through Saturday. KRIZ 1420 AM and KYIZ 1620 AM, 7 pm-midnight.

SATURDAY 12/4

REGGAE -- Host Johnny Horn rocks you steady with underground reggae every Saturday morning. KCMU 90.3 FM, 9 am-noon.

SOUNDTRACK CINEMA -- This week, host Ford Thaxton features scores from films based on popular television shows, including Twilight Zone: The Movie and The X-Files. KING 98.1 FM, 10-11 pm.

SONARCHY RADIO -- A live broadcast mixed and produced by Doug Haire. Phillip Arnautoff performs "music that will seduce your ears with the mysteries of musical tone." KCMU 90.3 FM, 11 pm-midnight.

THE LIVE ROOM -- This week's performance is by AUTOMATON Adventure Series, a "three-piece, beat-kickin', proto-punk noise band." KCMU 90.3 FM, 8-9 pm.

SUNDAY 12/5

NO ROOM FOR SQUARES -- Aric Effron features a wide variety of modern jazz from the '50s and '60s, with a focus on Blue Note artists. KUPS 90.1 FM and www.webradio.com/kups, 3-4 pm.

CAR TALK -- Brothers Tom and Ray Magliozzi offer their expert advice to misinformed callers and have a whooping good time doing it. The most compelling car-related programming anywhere. Addictive! KUOW 94.9 FM, 1-2 pm.

MONDAY 12/6

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