• HOT TICKETS

Music and Nightlife: See Wu-Tang at work Tuesday

IT’S BEEN almost 20 years since the Wu-Tang Clan burst onto the scene with a new concept — a hip-hop crew of MCs who at some point would all break off with their own side projects. And it’s still working today.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $40

INFO: (800) 745-3000; statetheatreportland.com

Art and Theater: Kotzschmar! Christmas! Cornils!

IF YOU LOVE the Kotzchmar Organ, Tuesday’s “Christmas with Cornils” concert will be your last chance to hear it for Christmas music for some time. Next year, the instrument will undergo a series of repairs to restore its wonder and power.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $22 to $34

INFO: 842-0800; porttix.com

Dining and Drink: Munch free brunch, then start bidding

ENJOY A FREE BRUNCH while you peruse stunning gingerbread houses built by both professionals and amateurs. Then open your wallet and bid on one in this benefit for Portland’s Ronald McDonald House.

WHEN: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday

WHERE: Residence Inn Marriott, 145 Fore St., Portland

HOW MUCH: Brunch is free, but donations and silent auctions bids accepted

INFO: To RSVP for brunch or for more info, contact Shannon Marden at 761-1660 or Shannon.Marden@ Marriott.com

Et Cetera: Merlot ho ho! It’s Merry Madness time in Portland

HOLIDAY SHOPPING can make you crazy, so maybe a little wine would help. Sip while you shop during Portland’s Merry Madness.

WHEN: 5 to 10 p.m. today

WHERE: Starts at the Regency Hotel from 5 to 6 p.m. for free appetizers and to buy souvenir wine glasses and mugs, then at participating shops throughout Portland; drinks will be served.

HOW MUCH: $5 for a glass or mug

INFO: portlandmaine.com

 

• CHEAP THRILLS

Music and Nightlife: WCYY spotlights Class of 2011

CHECK OUT SOME of the hot local bands that hit the scene this past year, including Whitcomb, Lady Essence and Sunset Hearts (plus “alumnus” Jose Ayerve of Spouse) during WCYY’s Class of 2011 showcase.

WHEN: 9 p.m. today

WHERE: The Big Easy, 55 Market St, Portland

HOW MUCH: $5; 21-plus

INFO: 775-2266; bigeasyportland.com

Art and Theater: Historical Society hosts holiday sing

LET IT SNOW, let it sing. The Maine Historical Society opens its doors for “Carols in the Library” at the Brown Library. The Choral Art Society Carolers will provide holiday cheer with help from the audience.

WHEN: 2 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Brown Library, Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $12; $10 seniors and students

INFO: 774-1822, Ext. 206

Dining and Drink: Stock up Saturday at winter market

THE PORTLAND WINTER farmers market will be closed Christmas Eve, so this will be your last chance to pick up a few things for Christmas dinner. It’s also a great way to escape from the holiday shopping crowds.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St., Portland

HOW MUCH: Free

INFO: portlandmainewintermarket.com

Et Cetera: Things could get ugly, people

PULL ON your ugliest Christmas sweater for Bubba’s ’90s Nite Xmas Dance Party. DJ Jon spins ’90s tunes, and the person with the most outrageous sweater wins $50.

WHEN: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday

WHERE: Bubba’s Sulky Lounge, 92 Portland St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $5; 21-plus

INFO: facebook.com/90sNite