We've given Rich Wetzel a lot of love over the years, not only because he's a groovy guy, but because he's always playing a gig worth mentioning. This weekend is no exception as Wetzel and his Groovin' Higher Jazz Orchestra bring their annual jazzy holiday to Tacoma Community College and The Stonegate. Saturday evening at TCC, trumpeter Wetzel sets up chairs for what seems like 59 musicians for a night of swinging renditions of Christmas classics, featuring singers Steve Stefanowicz and Sunny Jo Loudin. Sunday at the Stonegate, Wetzel sets up fewer chairs, BUT special holiday drinks loaded with rum make up for the missing flugelhorn.
A BIG BAND CHRISTMAS WITH RICH WETZEL'S GROOVIN' HIGHER ORCHESTRA, 7:30 p.m., Tacoma Community College Auditorium, 650 S. 19th St., Tacoma, $15-$20, 800.838.30096
CHRISTMAS PARTY, w/Rich Wetzel's Groovin' Higher Orchestra, 5-8 p.m., Stonegate Restaurant & Bar, 5419 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, no cover, 253.473.2255