Tuesday, December 4 – The Route 66 Jazz Band returns to the Sheldon for its third annual holiday show. The first set is all big-band arrangements (including some by local stars). The second set is holiday favorites. Vocalists include the wonderful Valerie Tichacek. 7:30 pm, $15.
Wednesday, December 5 – Arguably our town’s best trumpet player, Jim Manley plays Sasha’s Wine Bar on DeMun. No doubt some holiday tunes will be slipped in. 8 pm, no cover.
Thursday, December 6 – That art prog symphonic rock institution Trans-Siberian Orchestra comes to the Enterprise Center. This show is called “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” – it’s a “best of” concert so they will surely play that rockin’ version of “Pachelbel’s Canon” that’s ubiquitous this time of year. 7:30 pm, $25–$76.
Friday–Sunday, December 7–9 – If the shouts of joy from the “Hallelujah Chorus” don’t put you in the holiday spirit, then you’re a Scrooge. Find out as the St. Louis Symphony takes on Handel’s Messiah at Powell Hall. Friday and Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 3 pm. $30–$90.
Saturday, December 8 – We would be surprised if Thom Yorke does any holiday tunes at the Stifel, but the lead singer and main songwriter of Radiohead is unpredictable. He brings his Modern Boxes tour here and it’ll be interesting. 8 pm, $52.
What the Locals Know: Every year since 2006, local brewer Schlafly Beer presents “Phillipalooza,” a premiere local music festival that raises money and awareness to fight Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It’s spread over two nights at the Old Rock House (Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8) and will have a silent auction, 50/50 raffles and more. Oh, and some of the best local music we got: Jake’s Leg, Funky Butt Brass Band, the River Kittens, ClusterPluck, and nine more.
Music Note of Note: When you’re driving to go hear that local band, get in the holiday spirit via one of several local radio stations that play songs of the seasons continuously: KLOU (103.3) and KEZK (102.5) will get you in the holiday mood!