DEC. 10

Guitarist Jeff Peterson, whose diverse talents include jazz and classical as well as Hawaiian slack key, performs his slack-key concerto “Malama Aina” with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Peterson has won eight Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

4 p.m. / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $34-$92 / ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000

DEC. 12

The Shins made their mark on the indie-rock music map with a Best Alternative Album Grammy nomination for the 2007 album “Wincing the Night Away,” which hit No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200. They visit The Republik.

8 p.m. / The Republik / $37.50 / jointherepublik.com or 941-7469

DEC. 15-17

Relive a historical Christmas party from the days of the Hawaiian kingdom with Ballet Hawaii’s “Nutcracker.” The production, which debuted last year, provides a spectacular display of Hawaii-themed costumes and sets.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16, 2 p.m. Dec. 16-17 / $39-$120 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000

DEC. 31

The Grateful Dead keep on truckin’ with bassist Phil Lesh, who returns to ring in the new year at Hawaii Theatre. In the last few years, he’s battled cancer but kept the Dead’s music alive at Terrapin Crossroads, a club he established in the San Francisco Bay Area.

9 p.m. Sunday / Hawaii Theatre / $110-$170 / hawaiitheatre.com or 528-0506

JAN. 12

The supremely gifted Diana Ross was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Music Awards, so it’s only appropriate that she’s touring with her “Diamond Diana: The Legacy Collection” album. She returns to Honolulu in January.

8 p.m. / Blaisdell Arena / $45-210 / ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000

TICKER:

>> Herb Alpert’s trumpet playing still impresses. Singer Lani Hall joins him. 8 p.m. Dec. 14 and 17, 6:30 and 9 p.m. Dec. 15-16. 45-$55. bluenotehawaii.com or 777-4890

>> Satirist Bill Maher returns for New Year’s Eve, with Bob Sagett and Reggie Brown. 7:30 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall, $45-$95.50. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000