Play that funky music

"Pop & Lock" puts a new spin on canned food drives. The event features DJs B4 (Bradley, pictured), Zachary Stowasser, and Tommy as well as the best local drummers, a Guayaki booth, a glass art display from Cloud 9, dancing, and lots more. You get a discount on admission if you donate canned food, and all collected items benefit the Prado Day Center. So go dance, mingle, and help the needy all at the same time.

. Pop & Lock is Dec. 6, 10 p.m.-1:45 a.m., at Tortilla Flats, Nipomo St., SLO. Admission is $10, $7 with a canned food donation. Open to ages 18 and older.

Jazzin' up the holidays

The Cuesta Jazz Ensemble is gearing up for their trip to New York to perform at the International Association for Jazz Education's Annual Conference. A sneak peek at their New York program is this Thursday and features contemporary jazz pieces and original works. Plus, the concert proceeds help with their travels.

. Cuesta College Jazz Ensemble performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Grace Church, corner of Osos and Pismo streets, SLO. Tickets are $10, $8 for students, seniors, and kids under 12. Info: 546-3195.

It's becoming a tradition

For the last 27 years, the SLO Vocal Arts Ensemble has dazzled audiences with their annual holiday program. This year is no different. The ensemble presents "Joyous Sounds of Christmas" this Saturday at the Mission and this Sunday at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly. Make it a tradition or your own.

. "Joyous Sounds of Christmas," presented by SLO Vocal Arts Ensemble at 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Mission, SLO, and at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly. Info: www.vocalarts.org or 541-6787.