Thursday 22
Saturday 24
THREE MO' TENORS Though the stated purpose of this three-man concert is "to showcase the African-American tenor voice, rarely heard in classical opera," it'll be more than Italian odes to fallen women that tumble from the mouths of the featured vocalists. In keeping with the stylistic diversity of their professional backgrounds, tenors Ramone Diggs, Kenneth Gayle and Marvin Scott will apply their tonsils to a program that uses opera as a launching-off point for forays into jazz, show tunes, gospel and hip-hop. And while sponsor/beneficiary the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League is lending us these tenors, it's donating a portion of the evening's proceeds to the worthy cause of Katrina relief. Meaning that, come hell and high water, black voices will be heard. (7:30 p.m. at Carr Performing Arts Centre; 407-849-2001; $50-$125)
THE MUSTARD SEED 20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Dedicated to furnishing housing for people in the process of rebuilding their lives from personal or natural disasters the Mustard Seed of Central Florida always has its hands full, but its pockets need some filling, too. Especially now, as people displaced by Katrina come calling. Valiant Mustard Seed volunteers are responding to the usual needs as well as to the emergency influx; they set up a special disaster fund, but this elegant fund-raiser was planned ages ago. The ticket buys a cocktail reception, a silent and a live auction, dinner and dancing. And there will be a heartfelt recognition of founder and executive director Carol Kane. As the website explains, in 1984 Mustard Seed "grew from the personal commitment of a compassionate woman who saw all homeless people, regardless of race, creed, or social status, simply as 'God's children' in need of assistance." Can't afford the ticket? Visit the website to donate or volunteer. (6 p.m.-midnight at Disney's Contemporary Resort; 407-875-2040; www.mustardseedfla.org; $150)
HISTORY These guys are one of our favorite local bands, and we really wish they would play out more often. (It's fine to avoid wearing out your welcome in local bars, but you gotta help us remember you're around.) When they do wind up on a bill, History is often the highlight of the show, with an engrossing blend of sonic overload and punk-powered energy that leaves the indie-rock kids struck dumb and the punk kids wondering why all their CDs at home sound like crap. They remind us of a cross between later Cave In and, like, Stereolab. OK, we didn't say History's sound made sense, we just said we liked 'em. (with Watch Me Disappear, The Other Side of the Sky, What's Yr Damage?; 9 p.m. at Will's Pub; 407-898-5070; $5)
Sunday 25
PARK AVE CDS MUSIC SHOWCASE Having a panoply of "music stations" on your cable dial doesn't mean that your chances of encountering actual music are particularly high. To cast a "nay" vote against airtime-sucking newlyweds and Best Weeks Ever, make plans for a monthly pilgrimage to DMAC, where Park Ave CDs will present screenings of the latest music-related DVDs to hit the market. First up is an examination of select cuts from a four-disc box set that spotlights the work of accomplished music-video directors Anton Corbijn, Jonathan Glazer, Mark Romanek and Stéphane Sednaoui. Admission is absolutely free which, when Bright House fees are figured in, is less than it cost you to enjoy U2's "Mysterious Ways" the first time. (7:30 p.m. at DMAC; 407-992-1200; free with ticket available at Park Ave CDs' Winter Park and UCF Student Union locations)
Monday 26
Contributors: Jason Ferguson, Chris Haire, Steve Schneider, Lindy T. Shepherd