Old Economy I

Old Economy Village in Ambridge will feature a visit from Belsnickel, Santa Claus' German helper, at 10 a.m. Saturday. Belsnickel will have a treat for children (ages 6-12), and kids can make a "feather tree" to take home. Registration is $20; prepayment is due by Friday. Information: www.oldeconomyvillage.org or 724-266-4500, ext. 101.

Old Economy II

And while were' talking Old Economy Village for the holidays ... the annual Christmas Benefit Dinner will be held Dec. 2 in the historic Feast Hall, with proceeds benefiting the Children's House program. Guests will be served a German-inspired buffet dinner, and entertainment includes Anna Singer and the Old Economy Orchestra. Reservations are required by Friday; it's $100 per person; $85 for Harmonie Associates members or groups of 10 or more. For tickets, call 724-266-4500, ext. 120.

Pipes I

Organist Ken Cowan looks young enough to be playing PS3 or Xbox 360, but his fingers are busy enough on the keyboard. The Canadian is already a professor (at Westminster Choir College in Princeton) and has a host of accolades for his artistic prowess. At 4 p.m. today, he will play a recital of Bach and two comparative unknowns, Willan and Karg-Elert, at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. Tickets are $12 ($2 students); 412-731-0266.

Pipes II

Alasdair Gillies is a world champion bagpiper whose skills are being called upon to raise funds for the First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Pittsburgh at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The concert is a celebration of the Feast of St. Andrew and will combine the Scottish bagpipes of Gillies, Carnegie Mellon University artist lecturer; vocalists (including Scottish tenor Bob Murdoch); dancers; and church organist Andrew Scanlon. A donation of $15 is suggested, as well as a food item for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Information: 412-471-3436.