We’re trying to find joy within community and culture this season, with an eye on enticing holiday happenings, from the Christmas Market and Enchant extravaganza to Pike Place’s 29th Annual Magic in the Market (Saturday, November 30). Teatro ZinZanni Seattle also launches an immersive cabaret show and dining experience called SIZZLE! November 29 at Emerald City Trapeze Arts in SODO, and Paramount Theatre dazzles with Cirque Dreams — Holidaze (December 6-7) and Back to the Future — The Musical (December 10-22). Pop-up bars, like one at Hotel 1000 that brings a chic après-ski scene to its seasonal Rosebay Chalet venue, are offering a much-needed dose of cheer too.

Thankfully, there’s also plenty of music to get excited about in the coming months (see a roundup list of a few shows on our radar at the end of this interview), including a performance by one of our PNW favorites — singer-songwriter John Craigie, a poetic, witty, troubadour of sorts who plays November 22 and 23 at Neptune Theatre. Somehow we always leave a Craigie show feeling uplifted and somewhat better about the state of our world. Here’s what he had to say about this latest tour:

Seattleite: How was your summer? Any mentionable highlights?
John Craigie: Summer was spent mostly doing festival plays with a full band backing me in various locations in the U.S. and Canada. The Newport Folk Festival was definitely a highlight. Playing two sets with my friend Langhorne Slim and a special morning set with Steve Poltz.

S: What are you looking forward to most about this fall tour? What can attendees expect?
JC: This will be the first Keep it Warm tour with a full band. We have had accompaniment in the past but this tour has drums, bass, guitar and keys. Seattle will feature Laurie Shook of Shook Twins on vocals as well. We’ll be playing songs from this year’s new album, ‘Pagan Church’ and older songs as well.

S: Will you be hitting up any new cities or venues on this particular itinerary you’re looking forward to experiencing?
JC: All the cities will be familiar with returns to some of my favorites. El Rey in Los Angeles, Fillmore in San Francisco and of course Neptune in Seattle. This will be my first time doing two nights at Neptune.

S: Why should folks purchase the “Greatest Hits…Just Kidding…Live – No Hits” CD?
JC: I think the live albums are a great way to experience a huge part of my expression that isn’t available on the studio albums. For those who haven’t been to a live show, they can get a feel for the storytelling and interaction with the crowd. For those who have, they can revisit some of their favorite stories from the last few years.

Other upcoming shows on our radar include:

~The month-long, citywide Cloudbreak festival continues, this year bringing a total of 200-plus artists to 34 venues. As part of the fest, check out evenings like — at Tractor Tavern, KEXP & Cloudbreak Music Festival Present: Smokey Brights 10 year Anniversary November 22 and 23

~Singer-songwriter Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes brings his solo acoustic tour (his first ever) to Town Hall December 7

~The sounds of “A John Prine Christmas with Jenner Fox Band” (partially seated) fills Tractor Tavern December 12

~New Orleans-bred, Detroit-based singer-songwriter Odie Leigh plays The Crocodile December 12 and 13, as part of an extensive North American tour celebrating infectious debut album Carrier Pigeon, released this summer

~Pink Martini, renowned Portland musical group known for its eclectic blend of classical, jazz and Latin music, celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, and plays two Seattle shows on December 31 at Paramount Theatre

~Blind Pilot takes the stage February 24 at Neptune Theatre, in support of their latest, captivating album “In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain.” (We can’t get enough of it!)