TUESDAY

Marvin Hamlisch, Point Park's distinguished master artist in residence, will provide personal insight into his work and creative process in his workshop "The Works and Imagination of Marvin Hamlisch" in the Pittsburgh Playhouse Rockwell Theatre, 222 Craft Ave., at 4 p.m. Mr. Hamlisch has won three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe awards. For Broadway he has written the music for his groundbreaking show, "A Chorus Line," which received the Pulitzer Prize, as well as "They're Playing Our Song." Mr. Hamlisch also is principal pops conductor for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Pasadena Symphony and Pops, Seattle Symphony and San Diego Symphony. The workshop is free and open to the public, but complimentary tickets must be reserved by calling 412-392-8114.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

The 25-foot tree in the Heinz Hall lobby has been trimmed and conductor Marvin Hamlisch's usual bag of tricks now holds musical gifts as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops return. Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," and vocalist Gary Mauer, from "The Phantom of the Opera," join the Mendelssohn Choir for holiday favorites at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday. $20-$100; 412-392-4900 or www.pittsburghsymphony.org.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Chatham Baroque looks back to the Christmastime of 17th-century Austria and Germany for "Wintry Mix" at 8 p.m. Friday at St. James Parish in Sewickley; 8 p.m. Saturday at Synod Hall, Oakland; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, in the Laughlin Music Center, Chatham University. $30 with discounts available for seniors and students; call 1-888-718-4253 or visit chathambaroque.org.

SATURDAY

"Comedy + Tragedy = Gab Bonesso: A Comedy Show with Levels" at Bricolage, 937 Liberty Ave., Downtown, at 8 p.m. Ms. Bonesso's performance will include original monologues, one-woman skits and her unique brand of stand-up comedy. The show also will feature musical guest Josh Verbanets from Meeting of Important People, host/featured comedian John McIntire, and actors Dustin Wickett and Bricolage's own Tami Dixon. Tickets are $10 at the door. Information, 412-471-0999.

SATURDAY

Ra Ra Riot performs at the Carnegie Lecture Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., at 8 p.m. as part of the Andy Warhol Museum Sound Series. The ensemble -- which includes former Syracuse students Wes Miles (vocals), Milo Bonacci (guitar), Alexandra Lawn (cello), Mathieu Santos (bass) and Rebecca Zeller (violin) -- met and formed the band in college and have since relocated to New York City. The group's new wave-influenced indie rock melds taut rhythms with lush chamber pop, subtle psychedelia and infectious melodies. Pittsburgh-based rock quartet 1,2,3 opens the show. For tickets, $15 general admission and $12 CMP members and students, www.warhol.org, www.ticketweb.com or 1-866-468-7619.

SATURDAY

Comedian Joe Torry in concert with jazz/funk/R&B musical guest 76 Degrees West at the August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown, with shows at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Mr. Torry, who hosted the "Def Comedy Jam" and also starred in the movies "House Party," "Strictly Business," "Poetic Justice" and "Sprung." Comedian Comma'Dee and Pittsburgh jazz keyboardist Kevin Howard also will open the show. KDKA's Bob Allen will host the evening. For tickets, $32.50-$47.50, 412-394-3353 or www.ProArtsTickets.org.

NEXT SUNDAY

The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Show at the August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown, at 6 p.m. Old favorites receive a jazz makeover as the PJO renders a new treatment on holiday classics. For tickets, $20-$40, www.pgharts.org or 412-456-6666.