OUT & ABOUT for the week of Dec. 20

Calendar Submissions

The entertainment calendar is published Wednesdays and Saturdays on a space-available basis. Submit entertainment items at least a week before publication dates to calendar@reporternewspapers.com.

Events

Sococulture: For information about cultural events throughout South King County, visit www.sococulture.org.

Victorian High Tea: Dec. 21. Enjoy a leisurely teatime amid the mansion’s Christmas decor and live piano music. Cost: $50 for gala; $15 for high tea. Meeker Mansion, 312 Spring St., Puyallup. 253-848-1770 or www.meekermansion.org.

Morford Family Carousel: Fridays-Mondays through Dec. 29. Classic 1940s Venetian-style carousel open for the holidays. Hours: 4-9 p.m. Fridays; noon-9 p.m. Saturdays; noon-5 p.m. Sundays; 4-8 p.m. Mondays. Closed Dec. 25. Cost: $1 donation. Town Square Plaza, corner of Second Avenue and Harrison Street, Kent. 253-395-1240, ext. 100.

ShoWare Center Grand Opening: 4-9 p.m. Jan. 2. Come celebrate the opening of Kent’s new events center. Cost: Free. ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. 253-856-6999 or www.showarecenter.com.

Music

“An Inspirational Christmas with Elvis”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Features Danny Vernon and his band. Part of the Live at the Ave series. Cost: $15-$17. Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

Bronn and Katherine Journey’s 27th annual Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Enjoy a casually elegant evening featuring harp music, humor and song. Cost: $15-$20. Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St., Auburn. 800-838-3006, www.BrownPaperTickets.com or www.bronnjourney.com.

Theater

Evergreen City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: Dec. 20-21. Cost: $18-$38. IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St., Renton. www.evergreencityballet.org.

“Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”: Through Dec. 20. Cost: $17-$22. Renton Civic Theater, 507 S. Third St. 425-226-5529.

“A taste of the Nutcracker”: 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Scenes and variations from the classic ballet performed by Children’s Dance Theater students and guest artists. Cost: $8 in advance; $10 at the door. Auburn Riverside Theatre, 501 Oravetz Road, Auburn. 253-887-8937.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”: Through Dec. 21. Presented by Auburn Regional Theatre. Cost: $15-$20. Auburn Mountainview Theater, 28900 124th Ave. S.E., Auburn. 253-929-6680 or www.auburnregionaltheatre.org.

“The Adventures of Elf!”: 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21. Festive holiday show performed by students from Allegro Performing Arts Academy. Cost: $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-813-9630.

“Miracle on 34th Street”: Through Dec. 27. Presented by Heavier Than Air Family Theatre. Cost: $10. Green River Community College Performing Arts Building, 12401 S.E. 320th St., Auburn. 253-833-9111, ext. 2400.

Nightlife

Baker Street Books: 7 p.m. various Fridays and Saturdays, live jazz. Baker Street Books, 32709 Railroad Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-2131.

Cascade Lanes, Lounge and Casino: Performers: Dec. 20, Kickstart; Dec. 27, LaGrange; Dec. 31, Old School Dropouts New Year’s Eve Party; Jan. 3, The Jet City Players. No cover. 17034 116th Ave. S.E., Renton. 425-226-2035.

Cutters Point Coffee: Live music various evenings. Times are 6:30 p.m. unless noted. Cost: Free; tips appreciated. 16739 S.E. 272nd St., Covington. 253-639-3458.

Firecreek Grill and Raw Bar: 9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, live music; 8 p.m. Mondays, open mic for all ages. No cover. 2019 W. Meeker St., Kent. 253-856-5170.

Gonzo’s Bar and Grill: Ongoing: 9 p.m. Wednesdays, karaoke. Open to ages 21 and older. 15423 S.E. 272nd St., Suite 101, Kent. www.gonzosbarandgrill.com.

Interchange Bar & Grill: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, karaoke. Open to ages 21 and older. 8429 S. 228th St., Kent. 253-854-5650 or www.interchangebar-grill.com.

Kona Kai Coffee Company: Performances are 7-10 p.m. unless noted. Dec. 20, Paul Johnson and Tom Maeda ($3 cover); Dec. 26, Po Boys (no cover); Dec. 27, Tyler Kion & the Jazz Band ($3 cover). 124 Fourth Ave. S., Kent. 206-931-6111 or www.konakaicoffee.net.

Pat’s Bar and Grill: All performances 8 p.m.-midnight unless otherwise noted. 114 Railroad Ave. N., Kent. 253-852-7287 or www.patsbar.com.

The Pit: 9 p.m. Dec. 20, 3rd Degree Burn. No cover. 102 W. Main St., Auburn.

RC Bar and Grill: 8 p.m. Jan. 8, 3rd Degree Burn. 112 E. Main St., Auburn.

The Royal Bear Pub and Eatery: Performers: Dec. 26-27, Dog Leg Preacher; Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve with Black Dog; Jan. 3, Trix. 35731 W. Valley Highway, Algona. 253-833-6686.

Dance

New Year’s Eve Eve Ball with Randy Litch: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 30. Cost: $4. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5164.

Pi-R Squares New Year’s Eve Gala: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Ring in the new year with square dancing, round dancing, games and music. Breakfast potluck served after midnight. Cost: $5-$15 in advance; $6-$17 at the door. Kent-Meridian Grange, 15422 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. fun-squaredancing@pi-r-squares.org or www.pi-r-squares.org.

Ongoing dance:

Tuesday Evening Dances: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Features music by Kings of Swing big band, Randy Litch, and Charlie and Evan Brown. Open to all ages. Cost: $4. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Phils and Phillies Square Dance: 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Mainstream-level square dancing. Rounds, 7:30 p.m.; square dance, 8 p.m. Potluck to follow at 10 p.m. Dec. 26. Meridian Grange, 15422 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. 425-226-0311.

Pi-R Squares Square Dance Club: 7:30-10:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Dec. 27, Christmas Wishes Dance. Round dance workshop 7:30-8 p.m.; dancing 8-10:30 p.m. Kent-Meridian Grange, 15422 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. fun-squaredancing@pi-r-squares.org or www.pi-r-squares.org.

Ring ’N Swing Square Dance: 1:15-3:15 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $3. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Square Dance lessons: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Beginning lessons. Swing and ballroom also available. Cost: Free for first three lessons. Meridian Grange, 15422 Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. 253-735-3163, mehlhomes@aol.com or www.wagonwheelssquaredance.org.

Tuesday Afternoon Dances: 1:15-2:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Free dances feature a variety of music styles with musicians Richard Dean, Randy Litch, and Evan and Charlie Brown. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Readings

Radio Theater of Thrills: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Radio drama listeners of all ages are welcome to enjoy the 24 broadcasts from “Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills.” Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Museums

Black Diamond Historical Society Museum: Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays; noon-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 32627 Railroad Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-2142, museum@blackdiamondmuseum.org or www.blackdiamondmuseum.org.

Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for students and seniors; free for ages 4 and younger. 5917 S. 196th St., Kent. 206-764-9453.

Kent Historical Society Museum: Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Admission: $1. Bereiter House, 855 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-854-4330 or www.kenthistoricalmuseum.org.

Renton History Museum: Free tours: 11 a.m. the third Saturday of the month. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Closed on holidays. Admission: $3 for adults; $1 for children; free for ages 7 and younger and members. 235 Mill Ave. S. 425-255-2330 or www.rentonhistory.org.

White River Valley Museum: Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Admission: $1-$2; free on Wednesdays. 918 H St. S.E., Auburn. 253-288-7433 or www.wrvmuseum.org.

Galleries

Auburn City Hall Gallery: Exhibits: Through Jan. 2, art by Terry DeHart and featured senior artists; Jan. 5-16, “Reflections” PTA Student Art Competition; Jan. 20-30, City of Auburn Staff Exhibition; Feb. 2-27, acrylics and mixed media by Angel F. Matamoros, and mixed media art by Susanne Werner. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Admission: Free. Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.

Cheryl Sallee Gallery: Exhibits: Through Jan. 2, Senior Activity Center Featured Artists exhibit. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Admission: Free. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E. 253-931-5043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

Highline Community College Library Gallery: Exhibits: Jan. 1-31, “The Paintings of Jan Pollard.” Admission: Free. Call for hours. 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines. http://flightline.highline.edu/exhibits/index.php.

Kent Centennial Center Gallery: Exhibits: Through Jan. 2, photography by Blue Earth Alliance. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 400 W. Gowe St., Kent. 253-856-5050, www.ci.kent.wa.us/arts.

Seahurst Art Gallery: Events: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through December, holiday open house. Exhibits: Ongoing, rotating displays of paintings, pottery and jewelry by local artists. Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. 15210 10th Ave. S.W., Burien. 206-244-7844.

Seattle Events

Handel’s “Messiah”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; 3 p.m. Dec. 21. Performance by the Tudor Choir with Seattle Baroque Orchestra. Cost: $19-$25. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave. 800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

The Pajama Men—“Versus vs. Versus”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through Dec. 20. Fast-paced physical comedy duo to perform. Cost: $12-$18. Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., Seattle. 800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

“Orpheus’s Lyre”: 1 p.m. Dec. 21. Intimate performance for music lovers of all ages. Presented by Early Music Guild. Cost: $5-$10. Town Hall Seattle, Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave. 206-325-7066 or www.earlymusicguild.org.

“My Ántonia”: Through Dec. 21. Play depicts friendship and hardship on the Great Plains. Presented by Book-It Repertory Theatre. Call for cost. Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-216-0833 or www.book-it.com.

“A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol”: Thursdays-Sundays through Dec. 21. Performers take audience suggestions and use them to tell a new version of Dickens’ story. Presented by Unexpected Productions. Cost: $12. Market Theater in Pike Place Market, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle. 206-587-2414 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

Carter Family Marionettes—“Cinderella”: Through Dec. 21. Cost: $8.50-$9. Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle. 800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

“boom”: Through Dec. 21. A nerdy marine biologist hopes to save life on Earth, and get a date, before the impending apocalypse. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-443-2222, 877-900-9285 or www.seattlerep.org.

Evergreen Classic Jazz Band: 12:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 21. Presented by Puget Sound Traditional Jazz Society. Cost: $8-$11. Ballard Elks Lodge, 6411 Seaview Ave. N.W., Seattle. 425-776-5072 or www.pstjs.org.

Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert—“Fruitcake”: Through Dec. 22. Cost: $20-$65. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. www.flyinghouse.org.

“Plaid Tidings”: Through Dec. 23. Holiday edition of the musical comedy “Forever Plaid.” Call for cost, details. ArtsWest Playhouse, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle. 206-938-0339 or www.artswest.org.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”: Through Dec. 24. Presented by Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse. Greenlake Bathhouse Theatre, 7312 W. Greenlake Drive N., Seattle. 206-524-1300 or www.seattlepublictheater.org.

Womb Escape 2008 Xtreme Improv Tournament: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 26-27. Cost: $10 online; $12 at the door. 1428 Post Alley, Seattle. 206-587-2414 or www.unexpectedproductions.org.

“The Christmas Foundling”: Through Dec. 27. Presented by Taproot Theatre Company. Call for cost. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle. 206-781-9707 or www.taproottheatre.org.

Christmas Carol Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27. Performance by the Tudor Choir. Cost: $20. Blessed Sacrament Church, 5041 Ninth Ave. N.E., Seattle. www.tudorchoir.org.

“A Christmas Carol”: Through Dec. 27. ACT Theatre’s 33rd annual production of Dickens’ classic tale. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle. 206-292-7676 or www.acttheatre.org.

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”: Through Dec. 28. Cost: $22-$81. The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. 206-625-1900, 888-584-4849 or www.5thavenue.org.

Oprah Winfrey presents “The Color Purple”: Through Dec. 28. Musical based on the novel by Alice Walker. The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle. 206-292-2787 or www.theparamount.com.

Pacific Northwest Ballet—Stowell/Sendak “Nutcracker”: Through Dec. 30. PNB performs Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet with choreography by Kent Stowell and costume and scenic design by Maurice Sendak. Cost: $24-$130. Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle. 206-441-2424 or www.pnb.org.

Qwest Carousel: Through Dec. 31. Part of the KING 5 Holiday Wonderland in downtown Seattle. Cost: $2 donation. Westlake Park, 401 Pine St., Seattle.

Xtreme Theatresports New Year’s Eve Party: 10 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31. Audience members score competing improv teams. Stay for New Year’s party afterward till 2 a.m. Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle. www.unexpectedproductions.org.

Sheraton Seattle’s 16th annual Gingerbread Village: Through Jan. 4. Display, themed “A Superhero Holiday,” features elaborate gingerbread structures designed by top Seattle architects. Cost: Free; donations welcome for Northwest Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Lobby of Sheraton Seattle, 1400 Sixth Ave. 206-621-9000.