Last week, just when I was starting to get grumpy about the classical music business, an e-mail from the Ladies Musical Club gave me a welcome jolt.

I had made a routine inquiry about upcoming concerts and within their friendly reply, I espied the following: "As it is the policy of LMC to promote classical music rather than individual performers, we do not distribute publicity photos." Yes, in the trenches of classical music—far away from ambitious stars, inflated fees, gala performances, exorbitantly priced tickets, obsequious fundraising, and glossy press kits—it's about the music.

I've been a fan of the LMC since the early '90s. Although the name might conjure images of sweet but kinda strict grandmotherly types in pillbox hats and horn-rimmed glasses, the Ladies Musical Club has, in recent years, deployed a free and fine concert series throughout the city. Generally, the players range from good to great; the music is meat 'n' potatoes classical with a few interesting selections thrown in.

Here's a partial rundown: Ellen Rossen plays piano music by Bach, Haydn, Schubert, and Bartók (Sat Jan 6, Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry St, 2 pm). Clarinetist Rosalynn DeRoos and Johanna Mastenbrook sally through sonatas by Saint-Saëns and Poulenc, including Poulenc's delicious Sonata for Clarinet and Piano (Sun Jan 7, University House, 4400 Stone Way N, 3 pm).

Sopranos Regina Thomas and Sharon Karsner sing scenes from operas by Puccini, Cilea, and Ponchielli (Mon Jan 8, Harborview Medical Center, Main Building Cafeteria, 325 Ninth Ave, 3 pm). And Jensina Byington plays piano works of Beethoven, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff (Wed Jan 10, Seattle Public Library Auditorium, 1000 Fourth Ave, 12:10 pm). Every concert is free admission.

For additional concerts check the Ladies Musical Club online at www.lmcseattle.org.