FRIDAY 1/5

SEATTLE CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL--A three-day "interlude" of a festival, featuring a variety of chamber compositions to suit any mood, from the anguish of Shostakovich's Quintet in g, Op. 57 to the sprightly cheer of Beethoven's Trio in D, Op. 8 ("Serenade"). Sunday's concert is perhaps the best of the lot, with the aforementioned Beethoven; Schubert's graceful Trio in B-flat, Op. 99, D. 898; Bruch's Quintet in g, Op. Posth.; and a composer-title combination that borders on the tautological, Pärt's Adagio for Violin, Cello, and Piano. Benaroya Hall, Nordstrom Recital Hall, 283-8808 or 292-ARTS, 8 pm, $32 general, $15 students. Also Sat Jan 6, 6:45 pm and Sun Jan 7, 3 pm.

SEATTLE SYMPHONY--Nicholas McGegan has brought an intelligence and energy to the original- instruments movement that makes him a standout in the increasingly crowded field. Which makes him the perfect guest conductor for this Basically Baroque installment. Habitually Handel, actually, with Alexander's Feast, The Cuckoo and the Nightingale, and Music for the Royal Fireworks all on display. Finest piece of the night, though, is Rameau's regal-yet-dancing Suite from Naïs. Benaroya Hall, Taper Auditorium, 215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org, 8 pm, $15-$49. Also Sat Jan 6, 8 pm.

SATURDAY 1/6

CAPPELLA ROMANA--The buzzing ecstasy of medieval chant has been one of the great success stories in the mostly struggling classical music industry. For good reason, as Cappella Romana should demonstrate to perfection in this concert, one which, incidentally, opens their 10th anniversary season--congratulations, fellows. The first half of the concert is drawn from the Old Roman repertory that Pope Gregory's chant ultimately supplanted; the second from "the rich tradition of Byzantine hymnography." Amen. Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 42nd Ave SW, 523-5153, 8 pm, $15 general, $10 students/seniors.

MONDAY 1/8

WATJEN CONCERT ORGAN RECITAL--Still showing off their new toy after all these months, Benaroya continues this monthly free series. Benaroya Hall, Taper Auditorium, 215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org, 12:30 pm, free.

RADIO SHOWS
by Angela Garbes

THURSDAY 1/4

RETRO ROMANCE--Let's admit a few things. We are touched by the tender watercolor paintings and heartfelt poems of greetings cards, by puppies, by commercials for cotton. We cannot deny the power of Carole King and Air Supply love songs--they are the true fabric of our lives. Tune into the collective unconscious and melt into a puddle of mush as Michael Stein plays listener's requests on Retro Romance. STAR 101.5 FM, 9 pm.

FRIDAY 1/5

LOVE SONGS WITH DELILAH--File this program (and potential addiction to it) under "So Bad It's Good." Consider Delilah the Good Doctor, prescribing callers with the appropriate dosage of sentimentality. For each situation--the father who donates a kidney, the couple who fulfills their long-standing dream and adopts a bundle of joy from Romania, the woman who realizes that her best friend really is "the one"--the Good Doctor delivers the perfect song dedication. WARM 106.9 FM, 7 pm.

SATURDAY 1/6

THRU THE BIBLE--Airing since 1967, Dr. J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible is "a 30-minute radio program that takes the listener through the entire Bible in just 5 years, going back and forth between the Old and New Testaments." If you fear it's too late for you to begin, don't: "You can begin the study at any time. When we have concluded Revelation, we will start over again in Genesis, so if you are with us for five years you will not miss any part of the Bible." Five years is nothing for those who will have eternity. KGNW 820 AM, 2:30 am.

SUNDAY 1/7

THE PUZZLE MASTER--Who doesn't enjoy a challenging word game? Will Shortz, the editor of The New York Times' crossword puzzle, gets your brain churning bright and early on Sunday morning. KPLU 88.5 FM, 7:40 am.

MONDAY 1/8

ELVIS PRESLEY'S BIRTHDAY--If you can't join KIXI for the Elvis Birthday Party at the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife dressed like the King to vie for a chance to win the Live Like The King! Contest, do the next best thing. Call them (800-491-KIXI) to ensure that they play his music all day long. Make sure to request "Teddy Bear" for my daddy. KIXI 880 AM.

OUT OF TOWN

MARILYN MANSON: Fri Jan 5, Arlene Schnitzer Hall, Portland

MARSHALL TUCKER BAND: Fri Jan 5, Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma

HIT EXPLOSION: Fri Jan 5, Crystal Ballroom, Portland

CALEB KLAUDER: Fri Jan 5, White Eagle, Portland

THE LINE, THE DEVIATES, SECLUDES, GOOD FOR NOTHING: Sat Jan 6, Pine Street Theater, Portland

BOOM BAP PROJECT, ZION I, DJ DESIGN, MICRANOTS: Tues Jan 9, Sonar, Vancouver, BC

BLUE RODEO: Tues Jan 9, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC

Headed to Portland? Visit www.portlandmercury.com.