Classical/International

ANN HAMPTON CALLOWAY-Part of Bay Area Cabaret's "Diva Evenings" series, Slow Down the Holidays features Jazz Diva Calloway with her new Album Slow. Marine's Memorial Crystal Ballroom. Dec. 12, at 5 pm. $35. 392-4400. Map 1, B7

CAL PERFORMANCES PRESENTS-This month: Dec. 7, Arlo Guthrie, icon and spiritualist, with The Klezmatics, in: Holy Ground: the Spiritual Music of Woodie Guthrie, focusing on themes of Jewish identity. $28, $38, and $56. Dec. 9, Talented cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ax have been playing together since they met at Juliard 25 years ago. Tickets available through the Cal Performances ticket office, Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley. Call (510) 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu Map 3, D4

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER- Offers an array of cultural events. Opening Dec. 2, at 8 pm, The Bright River, by Tim Barsky, combines live musicians, hip-hop and Jewish Folklore, at the Traveling Jewish Theater, 470 Florida St., near 17th St. Map 2, J6. On Dec. 4, at 8 pm, Tin Hat Trio, an acoustic group that defies categorization, blending old world and new, jazz, folk, world, classical. Dec. 9, at 8 pm, The Great Broadway Singalong invites the audience to sing their favorite Broadway hits. Kanbar Hall, Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. Call 292-1233 or jccsf.org/arts Map 2, G3.

LEFT COAST CHAMBER ENSEMBLE-presents In the Spotlight: Piano and Strings, with Gyorgy Ligeti's String Quartet #2 and Dvorak's Piano Trio in D Minor. $20 general admission, $15 seniors and students. Dec. 6, at 8 pm, in the Green Room, 401 Van Ness Ave. Map 1, B7

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA-The 82nd season continues with the following operas: The Flying Dutchman, Dec. 1; Eugene Onegin, Dec. 3, 5, 7, 9, 12. War Memorial Opera House. 301 Van Ness Ave. 861-4008. Map 1, B7

SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY-In its 95th year and under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, the Symphony has grown to new heights of acclaim. Holiday Events: Dec. 5, at 11 am and 3 pm, Deck the Hall features a magical presentation of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with puppets and narration. Dec. 5, at 8 pm, Peter Schickele meets P.D.Q. Bach, comedic evening of musical mayhem with Edwin Outwater conducting. Dec. 11, at 1 and 4 pm, Peter and the Wolf. Dec. 14-16, at 8 pm, The Colors of Christmas. Dec. 17-18, at 8 pm, Choral Christmas Spectacular. Dec. 19, at 2 pm, The Wondrous Sounds of Christmas; and at 7 pm, A Gospel Christmas. Dec. 31, at 9 pm, The New Year's Eve Gala. Also this month: Dec. 1, 3, and 4, Tortelier conducts Benjamin Britten Double Concerto in B minor and Sir Edward Elgar's In the South. Dec. 8-12, at 8 pm, Joshua Bell plays Tchaikovsky. Davies Symphony Hall. 201 Van Ness. 864-6000. Map 1, B7

Jazz/Blues/R&B/Latin

BISCUITS & BLUES-Celebrating its ninth anniversary, this Southern-style blues club features live music nightly and a full service bar and restaurant. Music daily, 6 pm-1 am. Open daily at 6 pm. Call for more info. 401 Mason St. 292-2583 Map 2, C6

BOOM BOOM ROOM-A rockin' joint that features live exccellent blues, R&B and dancing five nights a week. Open daily 4 pm-2 am; live music Tu-Sa Covers vary. Call for entertainment calendar. 1601 Fillmore St. at Geary St. 673-8000 Map 1, H3

BRUNO'S-This place, once Ground Zero for San Francisco hipness, has become a great spot to have a cocktail while listening to eclectic live jazz in the adjoining Cork Club. The restaurant is open for dinner, Tu-Su. 2389 Mission St. between 19th and 20th streets. 648-7701 Map 1, I6

CAFE DU NORD-This speakeasy-style underground club on Market St. offers live swing, soul, jazz, rock and rockabilly music and a lively bar scene with a hip, eclectic crowd. Open nightly 6 pm-2 am, 2170 Market St. 861-5016 Map 1, H5

CLUB JAZZ NOUVEAU-Live jazz, blues, R&B and world music by top local and nationally known musicians five nights a week in a classy setting that includes a full service restaurant, featuring Southern-inspired cuisine, and bar. Jazz Sunday Brunch from 10 am-2 pm (live music begins at 11 am). Open W-Su, at 4 pm for cocktails, dinner service starts at 5 pm (happy hour, W-F, 4-7 pm), and music begins 8 and 10 pm. Cover varies. 2801 Leavenworth St. , in the Cannery, www.jazznouveau.com. 921-2100 Map 2, B2

ELBO ROOM-A Mission District staple, the Elbo Room is one of the best places in town to catch up with the city's always evolving jazz scene; or hang out in the bar downstairs to shoot pool. Open daily 5 pm-2 am. Happy hour from 5-9 pm. 647 Valencia St. , 552-7788 Map 1, I6

ELI'S MILE HIGH CLUB-This legendary Oakland blues club features live music Tu-Sa and a full restaurant and bar. 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way , Oakland . (510) 655-6161.

EMPIRE PLUSH ROOM-An intimate setting downtown in the York Hotel that's the place to see cabaret legends and rising stars. Through Sept. 5 Sandra Reaves Phillips. Call the box office for details and showtimes. Ticket prices vary with each act, plus two-drink minimum. 940 Sutter St. 885-2800, www.empireplushroom.com. Map 2, C5

RASSELAS JAZZ CLUB-One of the great underdiscovered spots in town. Live music, including jazz, R&B and soul is featured nightly and the club is attached to an Ethiopian restaurant that will bring your food to your seats, many of which are comfy, plush sofas. No cover charge Su-Th. Open nightly 5 pm-midnight, F-Sa 5 pm-2 am with entertainment Su-Th 8 pm-midnight, F 6 pm-2 am and Sa 9:30 pm-2 am. 1534 Fillmore St. 346-8696 Map 1, G3

YOSHI'S-A great spot to hear live jazz, the 300-seat room adjoins a terrific Japanese restaurant and bar. Arrive early to have some fresh sushi before the show. One-drink per show, cover charges vary. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland (BART: 12th Street station). (510) 238-9200; www.yoshis.com.

Rock/Pop/Alternative

AUDIUM-A unique theater where visitors can experience "sound sculpture." For 75 minutes, 169 speakers bathe listeners in sounds that seem to move past, over and under them Every Fri.-Sat. at 8:30 pm (latecomers not admitted). Admission $12. 1616 Bush St., 771-1616 Map 2, A5

BIMBO'S 365 CLUB-Arguably the best place in the city to hear live music, this nightclub has been around since 1931 and the red-velvet walls help retain its swank charm; the music is straight-up contemporary. Call for schedule. 1025 Columbus Ave. 474-0365 Map 2, C3

THE FILLMORE-The historic chandeliered concert hall hosted some of the most legendary shows of the 1960s and continues to deliver special moments. Call for details, 1805 Geary St., 346-6000 Map 1, H3

GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL-Set in a historic landmark, this popular nightclub features one of the most eclectic music calendars in town. Shows to be announced, call the box office for details. Tickets available at GAMH box office, 885-0750 and through Tickets.com, 478-2277. 859 O'Farrell St. Map 2, B6

SLIM'S-Major national and international rock, country, zydeco, folk, hip-hop and blues stars play at this inviting South of Market club, owned in part by San Francisco musician Boz Scaggs. Shows to be announced/call for details. Tickets available through Tickets.com, 478-2277, or at the box office. 333 11th St., 255-0333 Map 2, B9

THE WARFIELD-This concert hall/nightclub hosts some of the biggest rock, pop and soul acts around, as well as up-and-coming talent and local favorites. Call for details, 775-7722. Tickets available through Ticketmaster, 421-8497. 982 Market St. Map 2, B8

Musicals/Reviews

BEACH BLANKET BABYLON-Famed for its outrageous production numbers and over-the-top hats, the nation's longest-running musical revue spoofs current events and dubious celebrities. A San Francisco institution. Ongoing, W and Th at 8 pm; F and Sa, at 7 and 10 pm; Su at 3 and 7 pm. Times vary during holidays, call for details. Tickets $25-$70. Except for matinees, admission restricted to those 21 and over. Club Fugazi, 678 Green St. 421-4222 Map 2, C3

THE BLACK RIDER: THE CASTING OF MAGIC BULLETS-A.C.T. kicks off its 2004 season with this musical comedy from maverick director Robert Wilson, musical rebel Tom Wait, and literary rebel William Burroughs. A uniquely American tale, it is steeped in folklore and touches on themes of good, evil and human folly. Through Sept. 26 at the Geary Theater, 425 Geary. 749-2228 Map 2, C6

I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE-Described by critics as "Seinfeld set to music," this entertaining, charmingly fresh, hopelessly romantic hit is a musical joy ride through the jungle of modern love relationships. Ongoing. Tickets $40-$55. Marines Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St. , 877/771-6900 Map 2, C5

THE LAMPLIGHTERS-Opens its 52nd season with Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular operetta The Mikado. Set in nineteenth century Japan , the comedic story / lavish production is an experience for the entire family. Through Sept. 5 at San Francisco 's Yerba Buena Center For the Arts. Map 2, E6

THE LION KING-Disney Theatrical Productions and the Best of Broadway present this six-time Tony Award-winning musical that has been sold out six years in a row in New York. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice. Runs through Sept. 5. Tickets $26-$82. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. 512-7770 Map 2, C6

THE GREATEST BURLESQUE ON EARTH-The Va Va Voom Room's new vaudevillian era show is a cavalcade of beauties, comedians, singers, magicians, and specialty acts. F and Sa, 11 pm. Reservations: 885-2800. York Hotel, 940 Sutter St. Map 2, B5

Stand-Up Comedy /Cirque

BAY AREA THEATRESPORTS-Unique acting-based improvisational theater company that offers a full schedule of comic improvisations. Call for details. Bayfront Theater, Bldg. B, third floor, in Fort Mason Center, Marina Blvd. at Buchanan St. 474-6776 Map 1, H1

COMEDY ON THE SQUARE-Short, fun performances featuring everything from stand-up and sketch comedy to the cirque arts: Ongoing, A celebration Of Silliness-A comedy, juggling & magic extravaganza, Sundays, 3 and 7 pm. Tickets $15 (www.ticketweb.com or charge by phone 901-0210) The Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter St . For information, call 522-8900. Map 2, C5

THE MOCK CAFE-The Marsh presents its weekly comedy showcase of local talent on F and Sa nights; open microphone begins at 9 pm, all-star showcase begins at 10 pm (all-female showcases take place on the first Friday of each month). Tickets $7. The Marsh, 1062 Valencia St. near 22nd St. 826-5750 Map 1, I6

PUNCHLINE-Promising local and nationally-known circuit comedians perform in a hip setting. Great for large groups. Light fare menu available. Performances daily, at 9 pm, plus 11 pm on F and Sa. Two-drink minimum; covers vary. 444 Battery St. 397-7573 Map 2, B2

TEATRO ZINZANNI-An international cast of acrobats, jugglers, comedians and musicians create a unique show that combines cirque entertainment with dinner in posh tent along the waterfront. Ongoing, through July 18, Sally Kellerman stars as Mme. ZinZanni. Tickets, including dinner, $99 for W, Th and Su.; $125 for F and Sa. Seating begins at 6:30 pm, W-Sa, and 5:30 pm on Su. Pier 29, The Embarcadero. 438-2668 Map 2, E2