Try This: Music, theater in spotlight

Pianist and vocalist Jim Fischer will be joined by a number of performers for his annual holiday concert.

Fischer will perform holiday tunes with local chorales, vocalists, dancers and musicians.

The concert is a fundraiser for Friends of the Carpenter, a Vancouver-based ministry for the homeless.

When: 3 and 7 p.m. today.

Where: First Church of God, 3300 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver

Admission: $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Telephone: 360-750-4752.

On the Web: http://friendsofthecarpenter.org.

The concert is one of several weekend entertainment options in Clark County and Portland. Others include a local group’s presentation of “The Nutcracker,” Christian Youth Theater’s latest production and a benefit concert from a pair of popular Clark County artists.

1. Local troupe presents ‘The Nutcracker’

The holiday season is here, which means it’s time for productions of “The Nutcracker” to take place on local stages.

Vancouver Dance Theatre’s production features dancers ranging from 5 years old to adults.

When: 2 and 7 p.m. today, and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Fort Vancouver High School auditorium, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver.

Admission: $12, and $10 for children 18 and younger and seniors 65 and older.

Telephone: 360-624-8098.

On the Web: http://vancouverdancetheatre.com.

2. Theater group looks at tradition in ‘Fiddler’

Christian Youth Theater’s latest production, “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.,” looks at changing times and customs.

In the village of Anatevka, Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his Jewish community as they face social change and growing anti-Semitism in Russia.

When: 3 and 7 p.m. today; 7 p.m. Friday and Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Dec. 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 12.

Where: Washougal High School’s Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal.

Admission: $12, and $9 for children and seniors. All tickets are $2 more at the door.

Telephone: 360-750-8550.

On the Web: http://cytvanport.org.

3. Clark County artists team up for benefit concert

Folk-inspired acoustic quartet Misty River will take the stage for a concert in Portland. The group performs a mix of folk, country and bluegrass.

Also on the bill is Clark County Grammy Award winner Doug Smith. Smith won the National Finger-Style Guitar championship in 2006, and his music appeared in the 2007 film “August Rush.”

The concert is a benefit for the Emil Fries Piano Hospital and Training Center.

When: 2 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave., Portland.

Admission: $20-$50 through Ticketmaster; 800-745-3000 or http://ticketmaster.com.

Telephone: 503-234-9694.

On the Web: http://aladdin-theater.com.

4. Production takes theater fans to ‘Santaland’

Portland Center Stage welcomes the holiday season with the one-man show “The Santaland Diaries.”

The show, starring Wade McCollum, recounts humorist David Sedaris’ experience as a Christmas elf named Crumpet at the Macy’s department store in New York City.

When: Through Jan. 2, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; and 10 p.m. Dec. 16 and 30.

The Dec. 31 performance will be at 5 p.m. There will be no performances Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.

Where: Ellyn Bye Studio at the Armory’s Gerding Theater, 128 N.W. 11th Ave., Portland.

Admission: Tickets start at $30; discounts for students and those younger than 30 are available.

Telephone: 503-445-3700.

On the Web: http://pcs.org.