• Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile returns for four sold-out shows (two tonight, two on Friday) at The State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City. The shows start at 6 and 9:30 p.m. both nights. And, yes, they all are sold out.
• Addison Escape Device, an Orem rock band, performs at Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court (330 West), Salt Lake City. Opening acts: The Thrill Collective, And the Winner Is. Show starts at 7. Tickets are $6, at 24Tix.
• Ballet West's production of "The Nutcracker" returns starting tonight at the Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City. Tonight's show starts at 7 p.m. (The ballet runs through Dec. 29.) Tickets available at ArtTix.
• Utah composer Kurt Bestor kicks off his 25th anniversary Christmas concert, at Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City. Guest artists: Jenny Oaks Baker, Alex Sharpe (formerly of "Celtic Woman"). Show starts at 8 (and repeats Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.). Tickets, from $17.50 to $45, at ArtTix.