THURSDAY 9/28

SEATTLE SYMPHONY--It's Beethoven Week at the symphony: three different concerts that will run through the Piano Concertos, with plenty of pieces on the side. If I had to pick, I'd go to tonight's performance, for the soloist (Garrick Ohlsson), and the selection (Concertos No. 2 and No. 4, plus Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72b), but are any of them even remotely flawed? Saturday is No. 3, plus the First Symphony; Sunday, Concerto No. 1 and Symphony No. 4. Benaroya Hall, Taper Auditorium, 215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org, 7:30 pm, $15-$64. Also Sat Sept 30, 8 pm, and Sun Oct 1, 2 pm.

FRIDAY 9/29

GARRETT FISHER--The droning dirge of Moon in the Bucket--a hushed, mesmerizing blend of Western and Eastern music with its plaintive, Highlands-sounding oboe, quietly forceful percussion, and lonely koto--may well be the loveliest thing Fisher has written yet. The CD comes out this week; better yet, here's a chance to hear the piece live, presumably with the same small ensemble of instrumentalists and singers that perform so well on the recording. Queen Anne Christian Church, 1316 Third Ave W, 860-1826 or www.16visions.com, 8 pm, $12. Also Sat Sept 30, 8 pm.

JOYCE RICE & HAPER TASCHE--An unspecified selection of harp music, though we are vouchsafed that the program's selections range from Baroque to contemporary, light classical, Celtic and Scandinavian folk music, and ragtime. Donations benefit the "Harp Spectrum" educational project, which seems a plucky, upstanding cause. Lake Washington United Methodist Church, 7525 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, 329-4599 or www.harpspectrum.org, 7:30 pm, free.

SEATTLE COMPOSERS' SALON--Virtuoso flautist Paul Taub will perform works by Giteck (presumably Agrarian Chants, which Taub performed last week in Tacoma) and Dempster, reason enough to attend. There's also a new audience-participation work of Dempster's, an electronic composition by Christopher DeLaurenti, and Chad Kirby's work for conch shell and computer. Oh, and a door prize. Seattle Mennonite Church, 3120 NE 125th St, 548-0981 or tbaker@drizzle.com, 8 pm, $5 suggested donation.

SUNDAY 10/1

PETER LAUL--Just this past June, young Russian pianist Laul won the Scriabin International Piano Competition, so he's wise to stick to his strengths on his first American tour with a program devoted to the composer. Sonatas No. 3 and 4, the Seven Preludes, Op. 17, and the Two Poems Op. 69 are among the fiery, mystical highlights. Brechemin Auditorium, Room 126, UW School of Music, 685-8384, 2 pm, $8-$10.

RADIO SHOWS
by Kris Adams

THURSDAY 9/28

MUSIC OF AFRICA--Hosts Doug Patterson and Tobin Steers explore the pop music of Africa, featuring soukous, highlife, juju, benga, and other stylings. KBCS 91.3 FM, 7 pm.

SOUNDPRINT--Tennis is a big time, big money sport, with riches and glory being increasingly bestowed upon younger players, some of whom can't even drive yet. In this installment of Soundprint, CBC producer Chris Grosskurth examines this growing trend of adolescent superstars; the parents, coaches, media, and sponsors that shape them; and what children must give up to compete at the world-class level. KUOW 94.9 FM, 7:30 pm.

SATURDAY 9/30

THISTLE & SHAMROCK--Host Fiona Ritchie profiles the musical styles of Ireland, Scotland, and beyond in a survey of Celtic music from the ancient to the contemporary. This week's featured artist is Skyedance. KBCS 91.3 FM, noon.

LIVE ROOM--Local indie-rock band Blessed Light take the "stage" for a set of their '60s- and '70s-influenced pop melodies, and for a lot less dough-ray-mi than if you actually went out. KCMU 90.3 FM, 8 pm.

LOVELINE--Wonder why she won't talk to you even though you're willing to stand outside her house in the rain and glare at her through the window? Loveline will get you free, anonymous advice for the entertainment of other listeners, and you'll likely get the unsolicited advice of a guest celebrity who isn't as smart as Dr. Drew and probably not as funny as Adam. KBZZ 100.7 FM, 10 pm.

SUNDAY 10/1

GRATEFUL DEAD HOUR--Recordings of live performances, interviews, and classic tracks prolonging your own long strange trip. Grooooovy. KBCS 91.3 FM, 8 pm.

WEDNESDAY 10/4

THE SPLENDID TABLE--"Foam: It's What's for Dinner." Sydney Perkowitz, author of Universal Foam: From Cappuccino to the Cosmos takes us on a worldwide tour of the multiple uses of foam, the froth all too commonly overlooked as that superfluous film obscuring your sweet, sweet coffee. KUOW 94.9 FM, 7 pm.

REGIONAL MUSIC

JAZZ MANDOLIN PROJECT: Thurs Sept 28, Crystal Ballroom, Portland

EMMYLOU HARRIS: Thurs Sept 28, Roseland Theater, Portland

BILLY BRAGG: Fri Sept 29, Aladdin Theater, Portland; Sun Oct 1, Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC

VOODOO GLOW SKULLS, AGNOSTIC FRONT, ALL, STRAIGHT FACED: Fri Sept 29, Pine Street Theater, Portland

RICHMOND FONTAINE: Sat Sept 30, Mount Tabor Theatre, Portland

NEIL YOUNG, BECK: Sat Sept 30, Rose Garden Arena, Portland

BURNING SPEAR: Sat Sept 30, Roseland Theater, Portland

THE THE: Sun Oct 1, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC

NADA SURF: Sun Oct 1, Pine Street Theater, Portland

BAD RELIGION: Tues Oct 3, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC

SLEEPY LaBEEF: Tues Oct 3, Berbati's Pan, Portland

THIN LIZZY: Wed Oct 4, Berbati's Pan, Portland