SoCal music & dance, Dec. 9-16: ‘Nutcrackers,’ Christmas carols, Messiahs and more
Classical, opera, jazz, folk, pop, rock, ballet, tap, flamenco, contemporary dance and more for LA & OC
Welcome to the latest TV or Not TV newsletter spotlighting music and dance performances all around Southern California this coming week. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the LA Times’ Calendar section.
Classical & opera
‘A Salastina Compline’ Chamber music by Bach, Tallis, Hildegard von Bingen, et al., plus the West Coast premiere of the Derrick Skye string quartet “Deliverance.” Mary Chapel at Mount Saint Mary’s University, 12001 Chalon Rd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. $10, $45; livestream, $10. salastina.org
‘The Holidays with Canadian Brass’ The acclaimed quintet celebrates the season. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. $42 and up. (949) 553-2422. philharmonicsociety.org
‘Holiday Candlelight’ Artistic director Brett Mitchell and Pasadena Symphony are joined by soprano Lisa Vroman, the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, the Donald Brinegar Singers, the JPL Chorus and the LA Bronze Handbell Ensemble for this year’s concert. All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Friday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13-14. $30-$158. (626) 793-7172. pasadenasymphony-pops.org
‘Zubin Mehta Conducts Gurrelieder’ The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s conductor emeritus leads the orchestra, joined by Los Angeles Master Chorale and guest vocalists, in Schoenberg’s radical early 20th century masterwork. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 & 15. $45-$195. (323) 850-2000. laphil.com
‘Christmas in Vienna’ Musica Angelica performs works by Mozart, Schoenberg and Joseph and Michael Haydn. First Congregational Church of Long Beach, 241 Cedar Ave., Long Beach. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Also at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, 540 S. Commonwealth Ave., L.A. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $40-$80. musicaangelica.org
‘Twilight of the Year’ Pasadena Chorale celebrates the season with a pair of intimate shows. Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Free with RSVP (sold out). Also 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $25. pasadenachorale.org
‘Earth Ears: A Sonic Ritual’ Long Beach Opera launches a year-long salute to groundbreaking composer and sound artist Pauline Oliveros with this immersive concert experience. Angels Gate Cultural Center, 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $75. longbeachopera.org
‘Handel-Mozart Messiah’ The Los Angeles Master Chorale presents Mozart’s rarely performed arrangement of the beloved oratorio. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $69 and up. (213) 972-7282. lamasterchorale.org
‘Carols on the Plaza’ Members of Los Angeles Master Chorale lead a holiday sing-along; the chorale’s new Youth Chorus LA also performs. The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. Free. (213) 972-7282. lamasterchorale.org
‘Messiah Sing-Along’ Audience members are invited to raise their voices alongside Los Angeles Master Chorale and guest artists. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. $49 and up. (213) 972-7282. lamasterchorale.org
Jazz, blues, rock, folk, pop, world music & more
The Klezmatics & Mostly Kosher The two rockin’ klezmer bands get a jump on Hanukkah. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. $54. (562) 985-7000. carpenterarts.org
‘Jake Shimabukuro: Holidays in Hawaii’ The ukulele virtuoso is back to string you along. Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. $33-$63. (310) 506-4522. arts.pepperdine.edu
Also at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. $54 and up. (562) 916-8500. ccpa.cerritos.gov
Marcus Miller The Grammy-winning bassist, vocalist and songwriter plays eight shows in a four-night stand. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12-15. $45-$72; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.com
‘Holly Dolly Christmas’ Singer-actress Kim Eberhardt returns in a special holiday edition of “Love, Dolly,” her tune-filled salute to country music legend Dolly Parton. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 13-15; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21-22. $12-$35. (626) 355-4318. sierramadreplayhouse.org
‘The King’s Singers: Christmas Time is Here’ The acclaimed British a cappella group sings holiday favorites. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. (949) 854-4646. $34-$115. thebarclay.org
‘Fiesta Navidad’ Mariachi Los Camperos celebrates Mexican holiday traditions in the return of this family friendly show. Segerstrom Center’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. $76 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘Holand Andrews: Where the Apple Fell’ The vocalist, clarinetist and composer explores ancestral connection in this world-premiere solo work. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. $20, $25. (213) 237-2800. redcat.org
‘Holiday Sing-Along’ Melissa Peterman is your hostess with the mostest once more for this family friendly outing featuring a jazz combo and the Voices/LA choir; for ages 2 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. $50-$145. (323) 850-2000. laphil.com
‘In the Holiday Mood’ The current iteration of the storied Glenn Miller Orchestra brings the swing. The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. $43-$95. (818) 677-3000. thesoraya.org
Kristin Chenoweth The Emmy and Tony winner sings seasonal favorites backed by the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. $64 and up. (213) 972-8001. laopera.org
‘Meow Meow: Feline Festive’ The acclaimed cabaret artist shows her holiday spirit. The Wallis’ Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. $49-$99. (310) 746-4000. thewallis.org
‘Sugarplum Fairies’ The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles don their gay apparel for the ensemble’s latest holiday extravaganza. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. 8 p.m. Saturday, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14-15. $45-$125. gmcla.org
‘John Tesh — An Acoustic Christmas’ The award-winning keyboardist and former TV personality performs with his band. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $28-$149. (562) 944-9801. lamiradatheatre.com
Kool & the Gang The veteran R&B band will get you movin’ and groovin’. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $74 and up. (562) 916-8500. ccpa.cerritos.gov
‘Lea Salonga: Sounding Joy — The Holiday Tour’ The Tony winner graces the stage in this all-ages show. The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $57-$157. (818) 677-3000. thesoraya.org
‘The Light in Your Window’ The Ebell of Los Angeles Women’s Chorale sings seasonal favorites. The Ebell of Los Angeles, 4400 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Free; performance and post-show tea, $50. ebellofla.org
The Rob Kyle Quintet The group mixes Latin, Brazilian and straight-ahead jazz in a free concert presented by the Mt. Lowe Chamber Players. Altadena Main Library, 600 East Mariposa St., Altadena. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Free. mtlowechamberplayers.com
Samora Pinderhughes The singer-songwriter performs selections from his most recent album. The Wallis’ Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $29-$40. (310) 746-4000. thewallis.org
‘Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad’ The ensemble brings some Latin flavor to the holiday table. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $50. (562) 985-7000. carpenterarts.org
‘Storm Large: Holiday Ordeal’ The powerhouse vocalist of Pink Martini fame performs with her own band; show contains adult language, content and humor. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. (310) 434-3200. broadstage.org
‘Take 6 Christmas’ The acclaimed a cappella group plays a pair of intimate holiday shows. Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $101 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas’ The a cappella group sings in the season. Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $30-$58. (310) 506-4522. arts.pepperdine.edu
‘The Platters’ Very Merry Christmas Show’ The current iteration of the iconic vocal group performs. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. 7 p.m. next Monday, 2 and 7 p.m. next Tuesday, Dec. 16-17. $69.50. (805) 667-2900. rubicontheatre.org
Dance
‘The Missing Mountain’ L.A. Dance Project presents this new evening-length work from artists-in-residence Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber. 2245, 2245 E. Washington Blvd., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 12-14; 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Dec. 19-20. $30, $45. ladanceproject.org
‘The Nutcracker’ American Ballet Theatre, backed by Pacific Symphony, brings its spectacular staging of the Tchaikovsky classic to So-Cal for another season. Segerstrom Center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12-15; 7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18-22. $33 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘The Nutcracker Suite’ New York-based Dorrance Dance taps into Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s jazzy reimagining of the Tchaikovsky classic. The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. $48-$118. (818) 677-3000. thesoraya.org
‘The Nutcracker’ San Pedro City Ballet performs the holiday favorite. James R. Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13-14. $45. sanpedrocityballet.org
‘Gregory Maqoma: The Land We Carry’ The South African dancer and choreographer explores the concept of home in this CAP UCLA presentation. Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. $38. (310) 825-2101. cap.ucla.edu
‘Long Beach Nutcracker’ Long Beach Ballet performs the holiday favorite, accompanied by a live orchestra, for a 42nd year. Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Ave., Long Beach. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14-15; 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20-22. (562) 426-4112. $38-$145. longbeachnutcracker.com
‘The Nutcracker Suite’ L.A.-based American Contemporary Ballet reprises artistic director Lincoln Jones’ intimate take on the Tchaikovsky classic. Bank of America Plaza, 333 S. Hope St., Suite C-150, downtown L.A. Various days, dates and times thru Dec. 24. $75-$135. acbdances.com
‘The Nutcracker’ Los Angeles Ballet’s annual touring production of the holiday favorite returns. UCLA’s Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Court, Westwood. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13-15. $38-$131. (Also at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, with live orchestra, Dec. 19-22, 24 and 26-28, $45-$138). losangelesballet.org
‘The Nutcracker’ Festival Ballet Theatre is joined by guest artists from noted companies around the country for its annual presentation of the holiday favorite. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15; other days, dates and times, Dec. 20-24. $54-$74. festivalballet.org
‘The Nutcracker’ Inland Pacific Ballet presents its annual staging of the holiday classic. Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15. Also at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont. 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 21-22. (Also at $50 and up; discounts available. ipballet.org
San Pedro ♥ Festival of the Arts Encore Companies that took part in last September’s edition of the annual free and family friendly showcase return to the stage; presented by Louise Reichlin & Dancers/Los Angeles Choreographers & Dancers. AltaSea, Berth 60, 2451 Signal St., San Pedro. 1 p.m. Sunday Dec 15. Free. triartsp.com