Deck the music halls with shows of folly

The holiday season is fast approaching, as are the annual radio shows. But do not fear — plenty of cheaper national and local tours are stopping by to see Seattle in the snow. 

Tonight, 107.7 The End hosts its annual Deck the Hall Ball at the Key Arena. The lineup includes Gnarls Barkley, Snow Patrol, My Chemical Romance, The Shins, Jet, Taking Back Sunday, Pete Yorn and Angels and Airwaves. The extensive list of performers demands a variety of fans and, expectantly, a pretty awesome show. Gnarls Barkley is the headliner, although Jet and Taking Back Sunday may just steal the show with their energetic, in-your-face attitudes. Tickets are $37.50, an expensive but well worth it price. With luck, The End should be giving away a plethora of tickets throughout the day. The show starts at 5 p.m.

For a less pricey, more metal alternative, check out local legends Left Alive at El Corazon. Their performance tonight will be accompanied by Silent Civilian (featuring Jonny Santos from Spineshank), Occam's Razor, Violence Unfolds and Alone. Left Alive is one of the best up-and-coming metal bands, following the likes of Himsa. Their live show is complete with familiar screaming vocals and dueling guitars, but it's the aamazing bass riffs and the skinny white kid behind the drums that really gains this band its badass appeal. At $10 a ticket, this is one act that should not be ignored. Music starts at 7:30 p.m.

If you can't make it to the Left Alive show tonight, check out their predecessors Himsa Friday night at El Corazon. Everything Went Black will be joining the set for a special reunion show, along with The Helm, Lahar, Splatterhouse, Furious Styles and Almost Is Nothing. The show is promoted as John and Derek's Birthday Bash!!! so expect the mood to be electrifying. The show costs $10 and starts at 6:30 p.m. 

Saturday night, Death Cab for Cutie will be playing the Key Arena. Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins  and Ted Leo + Pharmacists  will be opening the show. Death Cab for Cutie, the local heroes who made it big with melodramatic hits like "I Will Follow You into the Dark" and "Photobooth." Tickets cost $29.50, but chances are you already saw them for half the price at a way cooler venue. Nonetheless, they're a local classic in the making. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the fun begins early with Kiss 106.1's Jingle Bell Bash #9 at the Tacoma Dome. The set includes Pussycat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, Natasha Bedingfield, Cartel, JoJo and Danity Kane. The highly attractive ladies of the Pussycat Dolls may be reason enough to attend, but leave it to Nelly Furtado's vocal skills to provide the event's musical talent. Tickets cost $35 to $55, and the show starts at 4 p.m.

To close up the week, Senses Fail will be playing the Showbox Tuesday night. Supporting acts include Saosin and Bleeding Through. The show consists of three good but stylistically identical bands. Fans of post-hardcore, metalcore, etc. have a ball; those looking for more variety may want to sit this one out. Tickets are $17. The show begins at 7 p.m.

Reach Intermission reporter Tina Abrams at arts@thedaily.washington.edu.