[December 12th, 2007]

[HOLIDAY HOOPLA] Over the years, Peacock Lane, which stretches from Southeast Stark Street to Belmont Street one block east of 39th Avenue, has emerged as Portland’s unofficial winter wonderland. Come Dec. 15, the whole damn street, which is lined with 31 picture-perfect 1920s-era English Tudor-style houses, blazes forth with the electric glory of thousands of Christmas lights—as well as an assortment of animatronic snowmen, green Grinches and angels tossed in for effect. This holly jolly tradition has become more and more extravagant since it officially began in the mid-’50s, so much so that Peacock Lane now has its own governing body, which includes a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. This year marks season No. 3 for incumbent president Becky Patterson, who also works part-time for a construction-equipment manufacturer. WW spoke to Patterson about the festivities and the rules and the baby-snatching that come along with them.

WEDNESDAY DEC. 12

[HOLIDAY HAVOC] MOUSTACHE & BAD CHRISTMAS SWEATER CONTEST

For the third year, Devil’s Point—easily one of Southeast’s finest strip clubs—celebrates bad taste and randy rowdiness. God bless ’em. Devil’s Point, 5305 SE Foster Road. 9 pm. All ages. Free.

THURSDAY DEC. 13

[HOLIDAY] STORM AND THE BALLS HOLIDAY CABARET

Storm Large follows in the footsteps of Cher and Jessica Simpson for a holiday variety show. And, OMIGOD, Sam Adams sings! Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St. 8 pm. All ages. $17.

FRIDAY DEC. 14

[MUSIC] DAVID BAZAN

Ex-Pedro the Lion frontman David Bazan will make you feel like shit in the most satisfying, thought-provoking way possible. Mississippi Studios. 7 pm. Sold out. 21+. See also Music Listings on localcut.com.

[MUSIC] SHONEN KNIFE

Shonen Knife is two cute Japanese chicks who play ditties about anime and kitties, but there’s more to adore here than just J-pop—like backbeats and power chords galore! Berbati’s Pan. 9:30 pm. $13 advance, $15 day of show. 21+. See also Music Listings on localcut.com.

[SCREEN] THE LAST WINTER

The director of Windigo returns with a global-warming horror movie. Naturally, it’s chilling. Hollywood Theatre.

SATURDAY DEC. 15

[DRINK] BOOZE BAZAAR

So that’s how Aviation gin is made! House Spirits shows off with booze deals and distillery tours. House Spirits, 2025 SE 7th Ave., 235-3174. Noon-5 pm. Free.

[MUSIC] THEATRE OF SHEEP

Casey Jarman writes: “I was 12 when Theatre of Sheep released its first album. And though I probably wouldn’t have fallen for the group’s blend of British New Wave and Portland moss-punk back then, it now sounds simultaneously charming, overdramatic and antiquated.” Slabtown. 9 pm. $6. 21+. See also Music Listings on localcut.com.

SUNDAY DEC. 16

[HOLIDAY] POSADA MILAGRO

Kick off your bilingual holiday celebrations at Miracle Theatre’s family Christmas event with music, dance, crafts and a pastorela (that’s a pageant for us yanquis ) by the Pluma Nueva youth theater program. El Centro Milagro, 525 SE Stark St., 236-7253. Noon-5 pm. Free.