This month, Seattle Men’s Chorus celebrates 10 years performing at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall, but the first show of the holiday series will be in Everett, another annual event.
Offerings in a concert dubbed Fruitcake include laughs, tears and reminiscence. Expect reindeer doing the habanera, Saint Nick in a bluegrass band and tenors singing a falsetto polka.
“The highlight of the concert is the touching piece ‘The Promise,’” co-commissioned with three other choruses, said artistic director Dennis Coleman.
Guitars and Saxes Christmas: Saxophonists Richard Elliott and Jessie J and guitarist Paul Brown will deliver music in a rhythmic contemporary jazz-funk sound just for the holidays.
Elliott has been on the scene since his days recording with Smokey Robinson and the Temptations, touring with Melissa Manchester, and a long stint with Tower of Power. He’s been the top producer of No. 1 hits in the smooth jazz genre for 15 years.
Portland, Ore.-born Jessie J draws from a background of Mexican-American heritage, a childhood fan of Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane, a degree in jazz and touring with the Temptations and Jessica Simpson.
Brenda Lee: It’s a Christmas show from the member of four halls of fame (Rock and Roll, Country Music, Rockabilly, Hit Parade). The country-pop singer charted more female-sung hits in the 1960s and was topped only by The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Ray Charles.
Jazz Masters: A Christmas jazz program of standards, holiday and fusion arrangements will be delivered by nationally known musicians who have toured and played with such greats as Steely Dan, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and Gladys Knight.
John Sebastian: The folk-rock singer-songwriter was in the thick of the mid-’60s rock revolution with The Lovin’ Spoonful, whose hits include “Do You Believe in Magic?” and “Summer in the City.” The Rock and Roll Hall-of-Fame inductee also worked in film and Broadway, and wrote the theme song for “Welcome Back, Kotter.”
Venus Envy Reunion Show: The irreverent comedy-folk-funk quartet, disbanded in 1995 to the dismay of fans, is back with a reunion show. Lisa Koch (Dos Fallopia, Olivia), Laura Love (Laura Love Band, Boom Boom GI), Linda Schierman (Raw Sugar) and Linda Severt (Laura Love Band, Juggletunes) return.
Charlie Hunter Trio: The extraordinary eight-string guitarist is touring with his September release, “Baboon Strength.” Hunter amazes with his ability to play both the bass and lead lines that define his style. Hunter’s had an eclectic life since riding to the West Coast with his sister and mother (driving an old yellow school bus) and living in a commune.
But it’s not his background, although that has helped his musical freedom of expression, that draws fans; it’s the focus on improvisations, syncopated jazz-funk grooves and an occasional melody that sticks with them.
Treehouse for Kids: Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready and his band Shadow ‘86 join Kim Virant, Star Anna and Kristen Ward to lead a benefit concert for an organization devoted to foster children. Shadow ‘86 is a Jimi Hendrix tribute band. Buy a ticket and donate a new toy at the show and receive a free drink voucher. For a wish list of toys, go to www.treehouseforkids.org.
Out and about: Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls), Danger Ensemble, The Builders and The Butchers, and Zoe Keating share the stage (Thursday, Showbox Market) … Horn-based Tower of Power has a four-night stint (Thursday through Dec. 14, Jazz Alley) … Indie rocker Stephen Malkmus contributed three songs to the film “I’m Not There” (Saturday, Neumo’s) …
The Australian Pink Floyd Show is a tribute to the English rock band (Sunday, Paramount) … The End’s Deck the Hall Ball Tuesday at WaMu Theater is sold out … Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, a string-and-swing band, return for the fourth annual Holidaze in Hicksville (Monday, Triple Door).
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