portland

friday 28

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Even the tallest dinosaur, the Cretaceous-era brachiosaurus only measured 50 feet tall, which means even standing on its hind legs (which it wasn't capable of), the tallest dinosaur still could not even reach the top of the seventy-five-foot-tall tree in Portland's Pioneer Square. The annual tree lighting and sing-a-long is led by the adorable Thomas Lauderdale (of Pink Martini fame). 5:30 pm. Pioneer Square. Free.

saturday 29

Horse Feathers, Cave Singers and The Alialujah Choir

Banjo-laden acoustic whispering melodies are Portland collective Horse Feathers' specialty. The Cave Singers bring folky instrumentation and layered harmonies to a soft, but powerful intersection. The Alialujah Choir, sounding like a modern trio version of Simon and Garfunkel, are the icing on this Pacific Northwest-grown lineup. 8 pm. Crystal Ballroom. $17-20.

saturday 29

Tale as Old as Time: Disney in Concert: Oregon Symphony

The musical scores are arguably one of the best things about Disney movies. So, even if you're cartooned out, or perturbed by the whole damsel-in-distress fairytale model, the Oregon Symphony's performance of selections from Disney classics is a family-friendly event for all ages and interests—high and low brow alike. With music from Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, you'll leave with some exquisitely performed earworms. Feeling extra festive? Dress as your favorite Disney character for the pre-show costume contest. 7:30 pm on Saturday; 3 pm on Sunday. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. $22-$99.

monday 1

J. Roddy Walston & The Business

Hammering on his piano with the force of a sledgehammer, J. Roddy Walston is about as punk rock as a keyboard player can get. Lifting his arms up over his head and crashing them down on the keys, his dramatic playing style has earned him a reputation as a jaw-dropping live performer. Portland's Adventure Galley and Bike Thief open. 8 pm. Crystal Ballroom. $20.