FRIDAY, DEC. 19 2014 >>>

1. The winter holidays' bells, lights and trees are upon us, and along with them the holiday-themed shows. Nutcrackers and Christmas Carols of various stripes are rife and often beloved, but alternatives are out there, too. This week we look to Geoffrey Castle's Celtic Christmas Celebration, an all-ages, revue-style ensemble show put on by legendary violinist Geoffrey Castle at 8 p.m. in the Temple Theatre. Helping Castle bring the magic is a cast of renowned musicians and dancers, including Beth Quist from Cirque du Soleil and the Seattle Irish Dance Company. It's a safe bet Castle's will be performing tunes off his holiday CD, Underhill's Angel: A Treasury of Songs for the Season. It's a safer bet the man in the red suit will be in the house. It's the safest bet the after party will be held across the street at Doyle's Public House.

2. At 28, Stacy Jones had released five CDs, played hundreds of shows and won multiple awards, including Washington Blues Society's "Best Female Vocalist of the Year" in 2010. Her band will play Jazzbones at 8 p.m. Finding a flow of funk, blues, rock and jazz appears to come easy to The Stacy Jones Band. Its presence, talent and raw soul weave seamlessly on stage.

3. Want to drink a Cozy Sweater while wearing an ugly holiday sweater? Twisted Kilt Irish Pub hosts an ugly sweater party with an emphasis on Iron Horse Brewery beers, including Irish Death, Mocha Dream and said sweater. Expect a DJ spinning and giveaways, beginning at 9 p.m.

4. Rhythm and Rye club in downtown Olympia has launched a new monthly series called Northwest Women in Rock. Held every three months, R&R will be featuring talented women who can rock your pants off. The first showcase, at 9 p.m., will feature Alison Marie Baker, Dr. Luna, Grace Hansmeier with her band Solar Sin and rock and roll band John's Daughter.

5. Bam! - Tacoma's first cover band super group - will perform at 9 p.m. at The Swiss. We have no idea what that means, but EXCITING!

LINK: Friday, Dec. 19 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area