unformalwear No, dude, I don’t know if there is a dress code for the Long Beach Symphony’s exquisite presentation of holiday music, which—and I’m guaranteeing this, without even knowing you—at several points is going to feature musical notes in combinations that will function like sonic access codes to some of the most resonant moments of your life. I can tell you the Terrace Theatre is being lavishly decorated for the event, and I’m betting Orchestra POPS! conductor Steven Reineke isn’t going to let himself be outdressed by the drapery.

As for special guest vocalists Kristine Reese and Billy Tighe—does the designation “special guest vocalists” suggest anything about their standards? Then there’s the Southern California Master Chorale, which always looks spit-shined, and the Southern California Children’s Chorus, which knows better than to go there.

But dude, I couldn’t tell you whether the suit-and-tie-with-hard shoes is required or if a jacket-with-slacks-and-loafers will do. I wouldn’t tell you if I knew. It seems to me that everybody ought to get their “merry gentleman” on at least once every holiday season. But that Long Beach Marathon “finisher” t-shirt you’re sporting probably has its magic, too. By the way, congratulations on that.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION CONCERTS LONG BEACH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA • TERRACE THEATER • 300 E OCEAN BLVD • LONG BEACH • 90802 • 562.436.3203, LBSO.org • FRI DEC 3, 6:30PM; SAT DEC 4, 2 PM • TICKETS $30, $40, $50