Marla Hansen
Monday 12.17
Tuesday 12.18
Marla Hansen
Cafe Montmartre, 8:30 pm
Since heading east, the Madison-bred violist has put together an impressive resume that includes work with Sufjan Stevens, My Brightest Diamond, Kanye West and Jay-Z. Her mellow front-porch folk and pop should work well in this cozy room. Local singer-songwriter Jentri Colello and Pale Young Gentlemen's Michael Reisenauer and Liz Weamer open.
Wednesday 12.19
Kathy Mattea
Overture Center's Overture Hall, 7:30 pm
The Grammy-winning country singer emphasizes the spiritual side of holiday music with a songlist that includes "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful." With luck, she'll also offer a glimpse of her upcoming eco-aware CD, Coal.
Yokanizu Project and Baghdad Scuba Review and Little Marsh Overflow
High Noon Saloon, 9:30 pm
Don't worry, jam fans, your needs aren't forgotten in the pre-holiday hubbub. With help from these local bands, the eternal groove will spin out into infinity at this all-night affair.
Thursday 12.20
Eric Church
High Noon Saloon, 8 pm
A feisty, regular-guy country singer with a touch of Steve Earle in him, Church ("Sinners Like Me," "How 'Bout You") manages to deal with issues like class and capital punishment while still gussying up his trad-leaning country enough to please Nashville lovers.
