Living close to Atlantic City, I never know when I will get last minute tickets to a performance. But for shows I bought early tickets to, December 16, NYC Town Hall, Noel Nights with the extended family and friends of Kate McGarrigle's kids. Kate used to set this up as an irreverent holiday musical get-together, to force her family and friends to share some holiday time together. Since her death her children (Martha and Rufus Wainwright) continue the tradition every few years. I've seen many great appearances at these shows, including Emmy Lou Harris, Louden Wainwright, Jimmy Fallon, Norah Jones, Cindy Lauper, Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed, to name a few. Plus the musical children of (and sometimes the more famous parents) Richard Thompson, Maria Muldaur, and the Roches. I'm never sure who will be there, but every past show has been great, and under the radar.