Most musicians take a few weeks off at Christmas. But for some performers, it’s a chance to dig out the holiday songs.
The Seattle-area vocal group The Coats, whose manager apparently does not believe in breaks, has a three-night gig starting Thursday in Seattle before they head out once again.
The four men cut their vocalizing teeth on the street corners of the Pike Place Market to pay tuition bills. Unexpectedly, singing became a profession after winning national vocal competitions. They’ve entertained a president, been on stage with many stars, and participated in outreach programs in the Northwest.
On the way to success, the musicians also had to hold day jobs, including concrete spreader, singing waiter on a cruise ship, farmhand and tennis pro.
They prefer singing.
Los Straitjackets: Rock ‘n’ roll Christmas songs and the dancing and costumed Potani Sisters are on display during the Saturday show in Seattle.
The concert includes vocalist and emcee Kaiser George, leader of Scotland’s beat band The Kaisers.
Seattle Women’s Chorus: Relive the magic of childhood with the chorus’ Babes in Toyland holiday concert Monday in Mount Vernon and Dec. 17-18 in Seattle.
Expect classical holiday music, new carols, the songs and sketches of Sensible Shoes, an on-stage performance with children, a debate over the centerpieces for the nuns’ tables, the humorous Feminist Holiday Song Book, and a send-up of a gospel choir.
My Chemical Romance: The rock band calls its music “unsafe pop” that will be delivered Sunday in Seattle at an all-ages show. The new album, “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge,” includes a set of songs about making a deal with the devil.
| The Coats: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 and 17, Benaroya’s Nordstrom Recital Hall, 200 Union St., Seattle; $24.50; 206-628-0888.
Los Straitjackets: 9 p.m. Saturday, Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle; $15; 800-965-4827. Seattle Women’s Chorus: 7:30 p.m. Monday, McIntyre Hall, Skagit Valley College, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, $15; 8 p.m. Dec. 17 and 7 p.m. Dec. 18, Meany Theater, University of Washington, Seattle; $17.50-50; 206-388-1400. My Chemical Romance: 7 p.m. Sunday, The Premier, Seattle; $19.99; 800-992-8499. Terry Evans: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle; $13, $15; 206-838-4333. Steve Oliver: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $22.50; 206-628-0888. |
Terry Evans: The baritone bluesman grew up on gospel (his parents thought rock ‘n’ roll was too rough), then went on to become an a cappella singer (The Knights), a prolific songwriter, a frontman, a soulful sessions singer (Ry Cooder, Joan Armatrading, Boz Scaggs), and finally a well-respected blues vocalist out on his own. He’s touring with “Fire in the Feeling,” and performs Monday in Seattle.
Steve Oliver: The contemporary guitarist and vocalist has created his own smooth and funky musical language on his third CD, “3D.” He’ll perform Tuesday and Wednesday in Seattle. The smooth-jazz star’s earlier album, “Positive Energy,” made it to Billboard’s top-20 list.
The Coats perform this week in Seattle.
Steve Oliver performs Tuesday and Wednesday in Seattle.
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