Here are some music and comic options over Christmas weekend:
Lark & Spur
Show of the week • The Lark & Spur Christmas program is known for its reliance on melodies, acoustic instrumentation and a respect for the traditions and feelings associated with the Christmas season and message. For many it has become a regular part of the holiday season. Over the years the ensemble evolved. Today the line-up includes Michael Fjerstadt on nylon string acoustic guitar, Evan Coombs on bass, Ray Smith on woodwinds, Lori Decker on vocals, tin whistle and mandolin, and Jeff Whiteley on guitar and vocals. Percussionist Jay Lawrence will also be a special guest of the ensemble. But what makes this indoor — yes, indoor — concert unique is that this is the first of a series of free concerts that the Excellence in the Community Foundation will hold at the Gallivan Center throughout 2012. Snow, Christensen & Martineau, a law firm that has been in business for 125 years, will be the presenter sponsor for the Excellence concerts at Gallivan Center.
When • Friday night at 7:30
Where • Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • Free
Spencer King (above)
This local, up-and-coming comic has been featured in competitions and festivals across the country, including the Seattle International Comedy Competition and North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival. Recently he made his Los Angeles and New York debuts and continues to move himself up the comedy ranks. His approach to taking on his own struggles with mental illness and his unapologetic approach to discussing things like attempted suicide and his love-hate relationship with his cat make him one of the more unique comedians in Utah.
When • Friday night at 7 and 9
Where •Wiseguys Trolley Square, 505 S. 600 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $10 at wiseguyscomedy.com
Mannheim Steamroller
Mannheim Steamroller brings a holiday tradition to Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, with its New Age take on holiday music.
When •Friday at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $50-$75 at ArtTix
Marleymas: Burning Down Babylon
Billed as "A Very Gypsy Jah-Mas," this holiday-themed reggae show features local favorites including Natural Roots, Funk N Gonzo, Leik Affect, Afro Omega, Ashlee K, and more.
When • Friday night at 6
Where • The Organ Loft, 3331 S. Edison St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $30 at door
The Folka Dots Christmas Show
This Salt Lake City alt-country ensemble will hold its annual Christmas show, with its sound influenced by Bob Dylan, The Carter Family, Hank Williams, Leadbelly, Lucinda Williams, Brandi Carlile and Gillian Welch.
When •Friday night at 7
Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court (330 West), Salt Lake City
Tickets • $6 at door
Thrillionaires
This talented improv group will perform its holiday-themed show, "A Dickens of a Tale." The Thrillionaires perform live, improvised musical comedies and plays without a script of any kind, and make up all the lyrics and dialogue on the spot.
When •Friday night at 8
Where • Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W. Center St., Provo
Tickets • $8-$10 at coveycenter.org
Kurt Bestor: One Silent Night
Kurt Bestor is an Emmy-award-winning composer and one of America’s most prolific and versatile composers. Bestor’s holiday shows have sold-out to audiences across the west over the last 16 years, but this is a more intimate demonstration of Bestor’s talent.
When • Saturday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 25 at 6 p.m.
Where • Egyptian Theatre, 328 Main St., Park City
Tickets • $15-$35 at parkcityshows.com
Octappella
Octappella, a seven-man contemporary a cappella group, will perform its annual Christmas concert.
When • Monday, Dec. 26 at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $14-$17 at ArtTix
