Sick of "Frosty the Snowman," Post Office lines, and egg nog already? Here are some diversions to get you through the month.
5. Prometheus Trio at the Wisconsin Conservatory. 
Why? Because nothing clears the aural palette like the spare elegance of a piano trio, particularly when Mozart is in the mix. Schumann and Sibelius add a romantic edge, while a trio by Alan Hovahness opens things up with spare but warm modernism.
4. Lewis Black at the Riverside Theater.
Why? Because it’s only three weeks until Christmas, and you’re going to need all the help you can get fighting the sentimental schlock that we’ll be swimming in for a while. Who doesn’t want a dose of Black humor and cynicism at the holidays.
3. Robin Pleur at the Wisconsin Conservatory.
Why? Because Pluer plays both chanteuse and diva in a “hi folks,” Midwestern sort of way. And because her cohorts, saxophonist Juli Wood and the jazz duo Mrs. Fun, are sure to give Pluer’s jazz standards an interesting, minimalist spin.
2. Scrooge in Rouge at In Tandem
Why? Because “Drag Queen” and “Uncle Scrooge” are seldom found in the same sentence, and because you keep your John Waters Christmas albums right next to the Perry Como. This backstage spoof—developed at a LGBT theater in New Orleans—is a little Noises Off and a little Charles Busch. A whole lotta In Tandem-style fun.
1. Chuchito Valdes at Latino Arts
Why? Because we can’t all be snow-birds—sometimes the tropics just have to come to us. Cuban pianist Valdes continues in the family tradition (his father and grandfather were just nominated for a Grammy Award) with infectious, Latin jazz that will put a flush in your face and a tap in your toes.
