SEATTLE As North County winds down at the end of the year, theres stll plenty of fun and enriching events in Seattle, for that special treat.
One of the best places to hear musicis Seattles Benaroya Hall, and theres always lots of good programs that warrant a trip to the city. I enjoyed hearing Frank Sinatra songs sung by John Pizzarelli at the Seattle Symphonys Holiday Pops concert Sunday, Dec. 10.
Pizzarelli told some funny stories between songs, including one about his experience meeting Frank Sinatra when he was the opening act for the old swooner.
Pizzarelli was sure they would hit it off.
Ive got pizza in my name hes gotta like me, he joked.
The classic jazz with symphonic back-up was conducted by Rudi Schlegel, who is also a composer. Indeed he played one of his own songs, Its lonely being a dork while taking a break from conducting.
Pizzarelli sparked up some fireside favorites such as Christmas Time Is Here and What Are You Doing New Years Eve? in a joyful celebration of the season. He also performed Sinatra standards One For My Baby and Witchcraft.
Benaroya Hall is a very beautiful hall and has a continuous string of wonderful music after Christmas including the traditional performance of Beethovens 9th Symphony Dec. 28, 29 and 30 for New Years.
This week, theres a less formal concert, with Emmylou Harris, presenting Light of the Stable accompanied by Mary Ann Kennedy, vocals and instruments, Pam Rose, vocals and instruments and David Jacques, bass guitar, at 8 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23. Tickets are $26$90.
On New Years Eve the celebratory concert and gala features Doc Severinsen performing Gershwin, Ellington, Vienna and more along with the symphony. Tickets are $65$150.
For tickets to the Seattle Symphony call the ticket office at 206- 215-4747 or 866-833-4747 or order on-line at www.seattlesymphony.org.

Salute to Vienna
Another New Year favorite is Salute to Vienna at The Paramount Theatre 8 p.m. Dec. 29. A feast of music, song and dance celebrates the rich melodies, songs, and beautiful waltzes of Johann Strauss Jr., performed by the 75 musicians, singers, and dancers of the Strauss Symphony of America. Tickets available now and are $35 to $78 at www.theparamount.com, by phone at 206-292-ARTS (2787), at The Paramount and The Moore Theatre Box Offices and at Ticketmaster outlets. The Paramount Theatre is located at 911 Pine Street in downtown Seattle.

Black Nativity offers great gospel
A very moving holiday tradition featuring Pastor Patrinell Wright and the Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, Black Nativity is an expression of faith through song and dance that reaches audiences of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs. The production features gospel performances by the Total Experience Gospel Choir and the Black Nativity Choir, modern and traditional choreography performed by an ensemble of dancers, and an on-stage band. The director is Jacqueline Moscou and the choreographer is Kabby Mitchell III. Tickets range from $10-$42. Black Nativity runs through Dec. 27 at the Intiman Playhouse, 201 Mercer Street at Seattle Center.
Tickets may be purchased through the Intiman Web site, www.intiman.org, over the phone from the Intiman Ticket Office at 206-269-1900