If it weren’t for my favorite weekly duty: scouring the scene for the best things to do on a wintry Portland w-end, I wouldn’t know WHAT was going on. My favorite business these last weeks was all about digging up the coolest Yule songs I could lay my hands on for prp.fm, and we are heading into a flurry of seasonal sound as the weekend approaches. Beyond that? A blizzard of holiday tunes, new, reimagined and chestnutty coming our way. But first:

Music on the PRP Radar

George Jones Tribute

The Deer Lodge people present a George Jones Tribute and CD Release Party honoring the late Great No-Show. If you’ve only vaguely heard about George here’s a chance to learn why someone even thought to create this collection of mostly Portland artist. Check out the info here and check out our interview with producer Bert Sperling and Sassparilla’s Kevin Blackwell.

Portland Cello Project

It’s not a joke anymore. Christmas sweaters just got serious. The Portland Cello Project‘s Winter Sweater Spectacular offers a fabulous take on winter-themed tunes. DVH Gelb; Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 8 pm, $25-40

Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside

And Friday and Saturday Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside take a year end bow for a lot of hard work that has paid off! They had a great year. The celebrate with their last two Portland shows. These will be their last two Portland shows — CF Indian Burial Ground (Sat); Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside, Fri & Sat, 9 pm, $15 w/Laura Gibson, Laura Veirs, Nancy Ives, Howe

Theater

The Lion in Winter

With the recent loss of Peter O’Toole, take in a fine production of The Lion In Winter. It’s Christmas and the royal family is gathering—each determined to win the game for the English throne. Before the curtain falls the king will resign, then reclaim his crown. Princes will play their parents against each other, and alliances will form and reform with head-spinning speed. James Goldman’s award-winning play is given a modern spin that crackles with humor and sparkling repartee.

Final Weekend

Oregon Garden Resort

For families looking to make a new holiday tradition, The Oregon Garden in Silverton is presenting “Christmas in the Garden,” an event based on a traditional German Christmas market. Christmas in the Garden will take place from 4pm to 9pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 22.

Families will board the Holiday Express tram, where they will be whisked through The Garden to arrive at the beautifully decorated Rediscovery Forest. They will walk through a candy-cane light tunnel to arrive in a winter wonderland, where they can shop from artisan vendors selling handmade goods – everything from driftwood Santas, candles, jewelry and pottery to yard art, teas and handbags – there’s even wreaths and swags created by the garden’s horticulturists.

While taking in the smells and tastes of roasted nuts and German foods, parents can drink traditional glühwein (hot spiced wine) and other spirits, while kids enjoy hot cocoa and assorted non-alcoholic beverages.

Everyone can warm up at fire pits scattered throughout the forest while enjoying lighted vignettes: elves in Santa’s shop, woodland creatures decorating a tree, even the house from A Christmas Story, complete with a glowing 9-foot tall leg lamp! Roaming carolers, school choirs, and acoustic guitar players will provide plenty of cheer.

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