CLASSICAL, ETC.
Handel’s 1741 setting of the story of the life of Christ, it’s said, is the oldest work that’s never been out of the active classical repertory. It’s also, probably not coincidentally, a blast to sing. For the Messiah Sing-and Play-Along, Karen P. Thomas conducts the entire oratorio, and the choir will also sing the solos. If you’re singing, vocal scores will be available, or bring your own. If you’re playing, bring a music stand, but they’ll have parts for you. GAVIN BORCHERT University Temple United Methodist Church, uuchurch.org. $13–$18. 7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 26.
Puget Sound Concert Opera will get your New Year off to a tragic start with Puccini’s one-act tearjerker Suor Angelica (premiered 100 years ago Dec. 14). It’s a lapel-grabber of an opera, with a regretful nun clashing with an ice-cold bitch of an aunt, but you will not be in the mood for champagne and confetti afterward. GB Music Center of the Northwest, pugetsoundconcertopera.org. $17–$20. 7:30 p.m., Mon., Dec. 31.
Count down to the New Year with festive vocal pop of The Doo Wop Project accompanied by Seattle Symphony. GB Benaroya Hall, seattlesymphony.org. $56–$154. 9 p.m. Mon., Dec. 31.
Mozart ‘Til Midnight offers a miscellany of Mozart’s sacred music, plus a midnight surprise! GB St. James Cathedral, stjames-cathedral.org. $30. 11 p.m. Mon., Dec. 31.
FILM
John Waters and Schoolhouse Rock! creator Bob Dorough are among the talking head in Jingle Bell Rocks!, a doc about alternative and underground Christmas music. Director Mitchell Kezin will be in attendance. GB Lucky Liquor, Tukwila, luckyliquortavern.com. 7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 26.
MUSIC
Seattle Rock Orchestra has chosen to play Pink Floyd’s classic Dark Side of the Moon for its 10th anniversary concert. GB The Moore, stgpresents.org. $25–$35. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 29.
Why not close out 2018 with some of the year’s best Seattle music? Indie-rock quartet Sloucher and singer/songwriter Whitney Ballen released two of the best albums of the year (see “Top 10 Seattle Albums of 2018,” page 8), and headliner Great Grandpa put out what was probably 2017’s top local record, Plastic Cough. The three fantastic acts come together for a rocking prom-themed concert. The Auditorium at UHeights, fremont abbey.org. Sold out. 8:30 p.m., Mon., Dec. 31. SETH SOMMERFELD
Brazil Comes to Belltown’s NYE celebration features live entertainment by Jovino Santos Neto and his Quinteto, dance music from DJ Michael Duncan, a build-your-own Caipirinha bar, Brazilian cusine, and more. plus special guest vocalists Gail Pettis and Adriana Giordano. GB Block 41. $125. 8 p.m., Mon., Dec. 31.
Local booking agency Artist Home celebrates the end of 2018 with musical collaborations (and plenty of covers) from local acts like Naked Giants, the Moondoggies, Hobosexual, Acid Tongue, Shelby Earl, and Hey Marseilles, as part of the 7th Annual Artist Home New Year’s Eve Celebration. SS The Neptune, stgpresents.org. $30. 9 p.m., Mon., Dec. 31.
After rocking around the globe in 2018, Thunderpussy closes out the year at The Showbox with plenty of face-melting solos and opening support from Red Fang and The Black Tones. SS The Showbox, showboxpresents.com. $40–$45. 9 p.m., Mon., Dec. 31.
